Hoima, Uganda - The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) has launched an ambitious campaign aimed at preventing Gender-Based Violence and Harassment (GBVH) while addressing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) risks, reinforcing its commitment to the wellbeing of local communities along the pipeline route.
In partnership with Health Promotion International (HPI), EACOP recently conducted a detailed study across five Ugandan districts to examine the prevalence of GBV and SRHR challenges. The study found that GBV remains a significant barrier to development, with poverty, cultural norms, and practices like polygamy identified as key drivers. Women and children were found to be the most affected, underscoring the urgency of intervention.
The newly launched campaign is designed to tackle these issues head-on by improving community knowledge and attitudes around GBV, fostering safe and inclusive environments, and empowering local leaders to champion lasting change.
Rosie Birungi, EACOP’s Social Performance Manager, emphasized the company’s focus on creating safe, informed, and empowered workplaces and communities. “By working with partners and engaging stakeholders, we aim to catalyze positive social change and ensure that all people, regardless of gender or status, benefit equitably from the project.”
This initiative supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 on Gender Equality and SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-being, aligning with Uganda’s National Development Plan III (NDPIII) 2020–2025, which emphasizes health, safety, and human capital development.
At the launch event, attended by government officials, district leaders, and civil society organizations, EACOP highlighted its commitment to ending GBV and advancing gender equality in the regions affected by the pipeline project. The campaign's core messages emphasize the human rights violations that GBV represents, the universal right to SRHR services, and the need for respect, safety, and consent.
To ensure these messages reach a wide audience, EACOP has rolled out several community-based activities: community theatre performances using real-life scenarios to spark dialogue about GBV, SRHR, and community safety; distributing posters and flyers in local languages (Runyoro, Runyankole, and English); providing on-site counselling and SRHR services, including screenings for HIV, Hepatitis B, UTIs, and more; creating safe spaces for open discussions about GBV and SRHR within communities; and offering guidance and referral pathways for GBV survivors to access justice and professional support.
EACOP’s campaign is not just about raising awareness; it’s a call for collective responsibility. By empowering local communities, reinforcing the rights of women and children, and promoting healthy behaviors, the initiative seeks to create a lasting impact that goes beyond the construction of the pipeline.
Take Action Today: If you're living along the pipeline route, get involved in the campaign by participating in upcoming community activities. Stay informed and be part of the solution to end GBV and enhance sexual health in your community.
EACOP's comprehensive approach to tackling GBV and promoting SRHR is a model for community-driven development, and it will play a critical role in shaping the future of Uganda’s socio-economic landscape.