TotalEnergies' response to the arrest of 15 anti-EACOP protestors in Uganda
TotalEnergies EP Uganda (TEPU) and EACOP Limited are both committed to the respect of human rights, including the right to freedom of expression and assembly as stated in their respective Human Rights Policy. The Companies take a proactive approach to ensuring that the projects are implemented in accordance with internationally recognized human rights standards and the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR).
Regarding the arrest of 15 activists on 11th November 2024, the Companies were made aware of the arrests through social media. Our team promptly engaged with the Officer in Charge of Operations, and 2 other senior officers at the Central Police station where the activists were being held, to remind the Police of the need to ensure that legal due process is followed, the protestors are treated well, and their rights are respected while in detention. Despite our engagements with Police and advocating for their release, the Police maintained their protocols, charged them in court the same day and remanded them to prison.