Africa’s Laudato Si’ Movement Creating Awareness on Dangers of Fossil Fuel, Halting Uganda –Tanzania Crude Oil Project

“Other projects, such as tree planting, receive significant funding to divert attention away from fossil fuels and eco initiatives in East Africa,” he said, d added, “This workshop aimed to enlighten young people about this issue, making them aware that their future is at risk.”

Participants in the workshop are expected “to utilize social media to inform and rally communities and the global audience, raising awareness about the dangers of the pipeline,” the Nairobi-based Burundian national said, referring to EACOP.

“We also expect them to empathize with their peers in Uganda and Tanzania, feeling their struggles,” he told ACI Africa, and added, “We need compassionate individuals, which is why we emphasize ecological conversion that fosters a deep connection with nature.”

In the awareness creation initiatives, Mr. Kezamutima said, “we aim to cultivate a spirit of solidarity and ubuntu among them.”

“After this workshop, we will continue our efforts by organizing additional activities that will leverage social media, tagging China, France, Uganda, Tanzania, and Total Energies,” he said.

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Also speaking to ACI Africa on July 26, the Programs manager at Laudato Si’ Movement in Africa, Ashley Kitisya, described the workshop Nairobi workshop as timely because the EACOP project is one of the biggest fossil fuel in Africa and that it needs to be halted. 

“We are here to discuss the environmental, societal, and natural impacts of the project and to urge its financiers to reconsider their support,” Ms. Kitisya said.

Rather than financing such projects, the finances can be channelled to sustainable projects “for communities in Africa and to also be able to propel the people towards a better developmental pathway,” the Kenyan Laudato Si’ Movement official said. 

She continued, “We have gathered here to demonstrate solidarity and to raise awareness within the East African community about the ongoing situation. We want to highlight the potential impacts of oil and gas extraction across the continent, which could become a reality in multiple countries.”

“The youth are made aware that they have the opportunity to critically assess whether such developmental projects truly benefit the people”, Ms. Kitisya told ACI Africa on July 26.

Bramwell Lubeho, a participant in the workshop lauded the of Laudato Si' Movement – Africa awareness initiative. 

“I believe I am in the right place because by protecting human life and the environment, I am fulfilling the purpose that brought me to this organization,” Mr. Lubeho, a student at CUEA and human rights activist told ACI Africa during the July 26 interview.

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