AEC Opposes Climate Rights International's Stance Against Uganda's Energy Development

The Kingfisher oil field, expected to be commissioned in 2025, represents a pivotal opportunity for Uganda to achieve economic growth and social development, having already created over 1,500 local jobs.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has strongly condemned the actions of Climate Rights International (CRI), an organization it accuses of hindering Uganda's efforts to develop its energy sector. CRI's calls for financial institutions and insurers to withdraw support from Uganda's Kingfisher oil field project have been met with staunch opposition from the AEC, which argues that such actions perpetuate global energy poverty.

With Uganda's electrification rate below 60% in urban areas and under 20% in rural regions, the AEC believes the country has every right to utilize its substantial energy resources, including 1.4 billion barrels of recoverable oil and significant natural gas reserves. The Kingfisher oil field, expected to be commissioned in 2025, represents a pivotal opportunity for Uganda to achieve economic growth and social development, having already created over 1,500 local jobs.

NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC, emphasized the importance of African nations harnessing their resources for the benefit of their people. He criticized the CRI’s demands as misguided and harmful to Uganda’s progress. Ayuk noted that while Western nations continue to expand their own energy production, international pressure is stifling Africa's ability to do the same, leaving countries like Uganda struggling to meet basic energy needs.

CRI recently published a 156-page report alleging human rights abuses and environmental harm at the Kingfisher site, leading them to urge financial backers to withdraw support. The AEC, having visited the site, has refuted these claims and accused CRI of attempting to keep Uganda in poverty by obstructing its energy development.

Ayuk argued that Africa must not yield to external pressures to conform to an energy transition dictated by the Global North. He insisted that Uganda’s right to exploit its resources is critical for the continent's development and that the AEC will continue to advocate for energy policies that prioritize the welfare of African people.

The AEC is committed to advancing the African energy sector and ensuring that the continent’s vast resources are used to benefit its people. The Chamber works closely with both African and international partners across government and private sectors, remaining steadfast in its mission to drive sustainable energy development throughout Africa.