TotalEnergies has commenced drilling activities at the Tilenga and Kingfisher projects in Uganda, with the goal of achieving first oil by 2025. However, environmental groups have strongly opposed the French company's actions, particularly regarding drilling in the ecologically sensitive Murchison Falls National Park.

The Stop EACOP group, together with the Africa Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO) in Uganda, expressed concerns about the threats posed to biodiversity and the park's significant economic value. Murchison Falls National Park boasts 76 mammal species and over 450 bird species, while its wetland system plays a crucial role as a spawning ground for Lake Albert's fisheries.

Total has asserted that its drilling work will impact only 0.003% of the park. Nevertheless, the NGOs are worried about the broader consequences, anticipating more than 2,000 truck trips per day during the drilling process. The noise and dust generated by these activities are disruptive to local wildlife, with elephants reportedly venturing out of the park and encroaching on nearby communities. In Buliisa district, there have been recent incidents of elephants killing people, highlighting the urgency of addressing these environmental concerns.

The NGOs argue that drilling within Murchison Falls National Park contradicts global efforts to protect remaining wild spaces and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Human Rights Watch also recently published a critical report on pipeline developments in Uganda, citing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), which will transport crude from Lake Albert to a port in Tanzania. The EACOP has led to the displacement of thousands of people, and TotalEnergies faced criticism for inadequate compensation to affected communities.

As part of its oil and gas sector, the Ugandan government aims to revamp its refinery plans after missing previous deadlines. However, AFIEGO's Kamugisha expressed concerns about the proposed refinery site in Hoima, where over 7,000 people face displacement. He criticized the government's persistence in pursuing oil-related projects, suggesting political motivations behind President Yoweri Museveni's support for these ventures.

The situation has sparked intense debate, with environmentalists and human rights advocates urging for the preservation of Uganda's natural heritage and the well-being of its citizens. As drilling progresses, the global community's attention remains focused on how this issue will be addressed and resolved.