Effects of crude oil pipeline project on the livelihoods of the people in Kabwoya sub county, Kikuube district

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to analyze the effects of crude oil pipeline project on people’s livelihood and environment in Kabwoya sub-county, Kikuube district. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select respondents in various areas of Kabwoya sub County. Primary data was collected using closed and open ended questionnaires, and personal observation while secondary data was collected through reviewing existing literature in journals, reports, news articles and books. Data was later entered in Microsoft excel, coded, cleaned and analyzed. Findings showed that the activities of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline project that have so far been carried out and those in progress have negative effects on people’s livelihood and the environment. The study area was dominated by small holder/subsistence farmers losing their chunks of land to the project leading to reduced food security. It was also noted that even the mode of compensation which was delayed did not correspond to the current valuation of property more so land which was valued 3 million UGX yet the current rate is 10 million UGX per acre. It was further noted that incidences of land grabbing by Ugandan tycoons are on the increase in the area making fear dwell in people’s hearts. Therefore, this has continued the impoverishment of people’s livelihood despite the poverty incidences among some families. On the other hand, trench excavation for the pipes to be buried has led to a massive destruction of biodiversity and ecotones. This in turn has accelerated soil erosion and displacement of various animal species. Increased number of vehicles in the area poses a threat of accidents to the natives and increased emission of greenhouse gases from exhausted pipes to the atmosphere hence global warming a great contributor to climate change. In conclusion, there has been diversion from what people expected and the reality on ground. This has been so through the impoverishment of their lives as a result of the project with many being marginalized.