KAMPALA: Uganda Police have arrested four members of the activist group Rooted in Resistance after they attempted to march to Parliament on Monday, August 10, to deliver a petition calling for a review of the country’s continued investment in petroleum.
The group, comprising about 20 young people, was intercepted along Parliamentary Avenue as they headed towards Parliament carrying placards and banners. The protesters reportedly dispersed after police intervened, while four were taken into custody.
Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed the arrests, saying the four suspects were being held at Central Police Station (CPS).
“Four people have been arrested around Parliamentary Avenue on allegations of nuisance on roads,” Owoyesigyire said, adding that police were processing them for possible court proceedings.
He also cautioned members of the public against activities that violate the law and urged those intending to demonstrate or petition public institutions to follow the required procedures.
The arrests prevented the group from delivering its petition, which calls for Parliament to reassess Uganda’s petroleum policies, agreements and investment priorities.
In the petition dated August 10, the activists argue that the country should examine whether continued investment in oil extraction remains the most beneficial economic path, particularly amid high youth unemployment, a growing population and limited economic opportunities.
The group is also calling for greater investment in sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, tourism, technology, education and innovation.
The activists further raised concerns that placing too much emphasis on petroleum could draw public resources and policy attention away from other parts of the economy. They also cited potential environmental and social impacts associated with oil infrastructure, including effects on communities, forests, wildlife, fisheries, tourism and households that depend on land.
The petition comes as Uganda moves closer to commercial oil production. The government says construction of the 1,443-kilometre East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is now 91 percent complete, with first oil expected before the end of 2026.
The government has promoted petroleum development as a potential driver of economic growth, with expectations that oil revenues and production could contribute to national development and, indirectly, ease some economic pressures.
The latest arrests therefore come amid a wider debate over how Uganda should balance the anticipated economic benefits of petroleum development with concerns about environmental protection, public investment priorities and the country's longer-term economic future.