Kikuube– Women living in oil-affected communities in Buhuuka Parish, Kikuube District have called for justice, environmental protection and a fair energy transition as the world marked International Women’s Day.
The call was made by the Strategic Response on Environmental Conservation (STREC) together with women from the area who say ongoing oil and gas developments have placed a heavy burden on their livelihoods and families.
In a press statement issued on March 8, 2026, STREC highlighted the challenges faced by women in communities affected by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and the Kingfisher oil project.
According to the organization, land in Buhuuka and surrounding communities is not only a source of income but also central to family well-being, food security and cultural identity. However, oil developments have reportedly disrupted livelihoods, reduced access to land and created uncertainty for families that rely on farming and fishing.
Women in the area say they have faced several challenges including delayed or inadequate compensation for acquired land, reduced access to natural resources and environmental concerns linked to oil activities.
“These challenges threaten household stability and undermine women’s ability to provide for their families,” the statement noted.
Despite the difficulties, women in the affected communities continue to organize and advocate for their rights, calling for greater transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector.
The women and STREC urged the Government of Uganda to ensure that women’s rights, livelihoods and environmental protections are respected in all oil and gas developments.
They also called on oil companies and project developers to adhere to international human rights standards, provide fair and timely compensation, and involve women in decision-making processes related to extractive projects.
Financial institutions and insurers were urged to carefully assess the social, environmental and climate risks associated with financing fossil fuel projects such as EACOP.
The group further appealed to civil society organizations and development partners to continue supporting grassroots women leaders advocating for the protection of their land, livelihoods and environment.
Ms. Winnie Nakalyowa, Project Assistant at STREC, said development must respect human rights and protect ecosystems while promoting sustainable and inclusive energy solutions that benefit both current and future generations.
She emphasized that women should not be left behind in development processes.
