Africa Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO) is a Ugandan organisation empowering communities to stand up against environmentally damaging projects linked to the exploitation of oil and gas. Through advocacy, media campaigns, and local and international legal action, AFIEGO has ensured that communities’ voices are heard by decision-makers.

The discovery of Uganda’s commercial oil reserves in 2006 has led to an increase in land grabs, illegal displacement and environmental degradation in the past decade. Founded in 2005, AFIEGO has emerged as a key player in protecting the rights of affected communities. In particular, the organisation has been at the forefront of efforts to stop the construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), which would transport Uganda’s crude oil to a port in Tanzania. Through gathering evidence to be used in court cases and drawing attention to the impact of the planned pipeline on local communities, AFIEGO has been instrumental in creating international pressure to stop the construction.

AFIEGO’s work has drawn severe backlash from the Ugandan government, resulting in threats and harassment, including arrests and detentions, against its staff. However, AFIEGO continues to fight for environmental protection and the well-being of affected communities using innovative legal methods and creating space for civil society voices.