JOURNALISTS CONVENE TO UNCOVER THE UNTOLD STORIES ABOUT EACOP
By Joan NANTEZA
Albertine Journalists from different media houses and members of communities affected by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) have convened for a media engagement workshop organized by the Albertine Journalists Platform (AJOP) at Community Green Radio to discuss the untold stories surrounding the controversial oil pipeline project.
Held under the theme “The Untold Stories about EACOP,” the workshop brought together journalists from Liberty FM, Spice FM, Kabalega FM and Community Green Radio, alongside representatives from communities affected by the EACOP project.
The engagement provided a platform for journalists and community members to share experiences, raise concerns and identify critical issues surrounding the project that require more public attention and investigative reporting.
The workshop was facilitated by Ronald Raymond Mugume, who guided participants through discussions on the need for more comprehensive, balanced and community-centered reporting on EACOP.
Mr. Mugume emphasized the importance of looking beyond the commonly reported aspects of the project to uncover stories that directly affect the lives, livelihoods and environment of communities along the pipeline route.
Among the key issues raised during the discussions was emergency preparedness, with participants highlighting the need to examine how prepared communities and relevant institutions are to respond to potential emergencies associated with the pipeline.
Climate change and environmental concerns also featured prominently during the engagement. Participants stressed the need for journalists to pay greater attention to the project’s potential environmental implications, including its effects on ecosystems, natural resources and the livelihoods of communities that depend on the environment.
Community members who participated in the workshop also provided valuable perspectives, helping journalists understand the realities and experiences of people living in areas affected by the project.
Their contributions reinforced the importance of giving affected communities a voice in media coverage rather than relying solely on official statements and project-related information.
The engagement further highlighted the critical role of local media in documenting issues that might otherwise remain underreported.
The workshop concluded with a renewed call for journalists to continue investigating and reporting on the different dimensions of EACOP, particularly issues that have received limited attention in mainstream media.
As the discussions demonstrated, the story of EACOP goes beyond the construction of a pipeline. It also involves the people, communities, environment and long-term consequences associated with the project.
Through such engagements, the Albertine Journalists Platform (AJOP) seeks to strengthen media coverage and ensure that the untold stories of EACOP, especially those of affected communities, are heard, documented and brought into the public conversation.