Economic and environmental impacts of the east African crude oil pipeline construction activities in Kakumiro district, Uganda.

Abstract

The overall objective of the study was to assess the economic and environmental impacts of the East African crude oil pipeline on the community of Kakumiro district. Specifically, the study aimed at evaluating the environmental impacts of the East African crude oil pipeline construction activities and finding out the different likely economic effects of the crude oil pipeline construction activities on the people of Kakumiro district. The methods of data collection used were interviews, questionnaires, field observation and documentary review. A sample of eighty respondents was considered and data was analysis was done using excel. The study revealed that the pipeline construction activities had both positive and negative impacts on people's economic activities and the environment. It was also seen that government and construction companies have tried to put strategies to handle the negative impacts of the construction activities both to the environment and to the society. The study found out that people have benefited from the construction activities through employment opportunities, improvement on the roads, market due to increased incomes of the people and friendship and it was also found out that the biggest negative impacts facing the society were: loss of land (displacement) and destruction of property. According to the negative effects of the pipeline and other concerns, there is need for more government and construction companies’ intervention to the negative impacts of the activities. There is also need for inclusive decision making by including all stakeholders in communities along the pipeline route for easy understanding and smooth running of the construction activities.