EACOP affected communities express fear over sexual exploitation of their children

By Gerald Ssenkoomi

Residents of Lwanda Village in Kiboga Sub-county, Kiboga District, have expressed fear over the possible social effects of activities associated with the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), particularly the risk of teenage pregnancies and sexual exploitation among girls in their community.

The residents say the presence of workers involved in pipeline-related activities has raised concerns about the safety of their children, especially adolescent girls, whom they fear could be exposed to early sexual relationships, abuse and exploitation.

The concerns were raised by residents led by their local leader, Leo Ssebuufu, who says the community is worried about the possible consequences of the project on the social lives and future of their children.

Ssebuufu says parents are getting increasingly concerned about how to protect their children from potential dangers associated with the activities taking place in their area, calling for measures to ensure that the community does not experience an increase in teenage pregnancies.

Vicecia Nagayi, another resident of Lwanda Village, has also expressed concern over the situation, saying the community fears that girls could be vulnerable to sexual relationships with workers, potentially exposing them to teenage pregnancies and other challenges.

The residents are calling on project implementers, local leaders and relevant government authorities to strengthen child protection measures and sensitize workers and community members about sexual exploitation, abuse and the dangers of teenage pregnancies.

They also want parents and guardians to take an active role in guiding their children, monitoring their movements and educating them about the importance of making responsible decisions.

The concerns come at a time when communities hosting major infrastructure projects are increasingly calling for attention to the social and human-rights impacts of such developments, beyond the economic benefits and physical infrastructure.

Residents say they want development activities in their area to take place without putting the lives, safety and future of their children at risk.

They are therefore appealing to relevant authorities to work closely with community leaders, parents and schools to establish awareness programmes and protection mechanisms for children and adolescent girls.

The concerns raised in Lwanda highlight the importance of addressing potential gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and child protection risks in communities affected by major development projects.

Community Green Radio will continue engaging affected communities to amplify their voices and follow up on concerns surrounding the social impacts of EACOP activities.

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline is a 1,443-kilometre infrastructure project stretching from Kabaale in Hoima District, Uganda, to the Chongoleani Peninsula near Tanga Port in Tanzania. Of the total distance, 296 kilometres pass through Uganda, traversing ten districts, including Hoima, Kikuube, Kakumiro, Kyankwanzi, Mubende, Gomba, Sembabule, Lwengo, Rakai and Kyotera.