European Union in Uganda has responded to the allegations of blocking oil pipeline construction project in Uganda and Tanzania as the European Parliament census released it recently.
During the Press conference, at it’s offices in Uganda, the Head of Cooperation of European Union, Caroline Adriaensen said that the European Parliament has no intentions in crippling down East African Crude Oil Pipeline(EACOP) project but it (EU) works within the limits of laws that govern the environment and human rights.
“Concerns around here; oil and refinery project, our position is very simple. First of all, it’s important to recall that European Parliament is an independent institution. It does not form its own policies,”said Caroline.
The Head of Cooperation assured that the statements the European Parliament census cited were in interests of all people of Uganda in recognition of laws.
“…it is everyone’s interest to make sure that the big investment and the big project like this project, is managed in a sustainable way that is compatible with International …and National rules and regulations,” she added.
Caroline encouraged that set projects should be in position to to recognize the environmental norms, social aspects, and labor standards that everyone in the normal life status can easily understand.
EU vows to support any programs in Uganda that have an informative impact and can benefit the Ugandan population. The Union also promised to continue engaging all the project initiators and implementers in ensuring observation of environmental standards, labour recognition and social respect.
Last week , the members of the EU Parliament drew their concerns in a quest to halt the EACOP project from contracting the Pipeline from Uganda’s Oil refinery Centre in Western Region to Tanzania, on claims that the project indused the abuse of Human rights, environmental degradation, and dispect of Social norms.
However, in reaction to the EU’s directives, the President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni roared and understated the lecagies and statements of Members of EU Parliament calling them ignorant and shallow minded exited youth.
Since then, two controversial strikes of Lower schools’ and Universities’ Students have been mobilized with formers in support of EACOP and the latter against the project.
The National Unit Platform, an opposition Party group in Uganda also climbed on the move to stop EACOP project from constructing the oil pipeline in what they termed, “Tojakugasima” meaning, ” You will not extract the oil”_ the message that is being sent to Uganda Government.
