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Check FAQAbout John
John Okot is a journalist based in Gulu, Uganda. Fixer | Researcher| Multi-media journalist
Feature Stories
Fact Checking
Fact Checking
Portfolio
Beggars and bailouts: The new political rift in Uganda's music scene
In Uganda, a rift has emerged in the music industry as some musicians who previously opposed the government are now accepting bailouts and attending events organized by President Museveni's brother, General Salim Saleh. This shift follows a period where musicians ran as opposition candidates and criticized the ruling party's corruption. The government's actions, including training programs and financial support, have attracted struggling artists but also led to accusations of buying off musicians to silence dissent. Key figures like Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) have criticized fellow artists for betraying the public's trust, while others defend their actions as necessary for industry improvement. The situation has polarized the music sector and led to public skepticism about the artists' integrity.
Uganda: 'The Path We've Chosen' - Uganda's Young Climate Activists Stay Defiant
Young climate activists in Uganda, despite facing police repression and legal challenges, remain defiant against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project. The activists, including Eric Sskekindi and Ivan Sanya, have been subjected to arrests, beatings, and imprisonment for protesting the environmental and social impacts of the $5 billion oil project. The Ugandan government and TotalEnergies, the main stakeholder in EACOP, are determined to proceed with the project, which is expected to displace thousands and significantly increase carbon emissions. Activists, supported by lawyers like Samuel Wanda, continue to push back, emphasizing the urgency of combating climate change and protecting future generations.
The path we've chosen: Uganda's young climate activists stay defiant
Ugandan youth climate activists remain defiant despite facing state repression, arrests, and harassment. They protest against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, citing its severe environmental impacts and displacement of communities. Activists like Eric Ssekindi and Ivan Sanya recount their traumatic experiences in prison and continue to mobilize against the project. TotalEnergies, a major stakeholder in EACOP, faces accusations of bullying and intimidation. The Ugandan government and police are criticized for their repressive tactics, while activists and their supporters push back through legal means and continued activism.
Uganda: 'We're Surrounded By Oil' - Activist Gardening in a Shadow of EACOP
Ugandans displaced by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) are turning to African keyhole gardening for survival and climate activism. Judith Bero-Irwoth, who lost her land to the pipeline, has yet to be compensated by TotalEnergies. She has become an activist, warning others about the dangers of fossil fuel projects and promoting keyhole gardening, a sustainable farming method. Despite government crackdowns on environmental activism, Bero-Irwoth continues to train others in agroecological methods, helping local communities adapt to climate change and displacement.
We're surrounded by oil: Activist gardening in a shadow of EACOP
Ugandans displaced by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) are adopting African keyhole gardening as a means of survival and climate activism. Judith Bero-Irwoth, a displaced farmer, has embraced this sustainable farming method, which is effective on dry lands and requires minimal resources. Despite facing government repression for her activism, Bero-Irwoth has trained over 300 women in the Albertine region, promoting agroecological methods and raising awareness about the impacts of fossil fuel projects. The article highlights the challenges faced by local communities due to EACOP, including displacement and environmental threats, while showcasing keyhole gardening as a resilient and eco-friendly solution.
Major African pipeline project leaves Ugandan farmers at the mercy of climate change
The construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) by TotalEnergies has led to severe flooding and food insecurity in Uganda's Albertine region, affecting local farmers like John Jabila and Annet Katushabe. The project, which involves large-scale deforestation, has been criticized by environmentalists and local officials for exacerbating climate change and disrupting ecological balance. TotalEnergies denies these accusations, attributing the floods to historical patterns. Legal actions and petitions have been filed against the company, highlighting the ongoing conflict between development and environmental sustainability.
The great African pipeline project leaves Ugandan farmers at the mercy of the climate
The construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) by TotalEnergies has led to severe flooding and food insecurity in Uganda's Albertine region. Local farmers like John Jabila and Annet Katushabe have been forced to abandon their lands due to the devastating impact of climate change and deforestation caused by the project. Environmental activists and local officials blame TotalEnergies for exacerbating the situation, while the company denies responsibility and claims to be implementing mitigation measures. The project has faced significant opposition from climate activists and legal challenges, with concerns about its environmental impact and contribution to global carbon emissions.
Ugandan walkers plant trees to keep the climate fit
The Walkers Association of Uganda is actively engaging in climate activism by organizing treks to plant trees and raise awareness about climate change. The group, consisting of volunteers from various backgrounds, aims to plant a million trees annually and has received support from the Ministry of Water and Environment for seedlings. Their efforts are part of a broader strategy to combat deforestation and promote environmental protection in Uganda and beyond. The group plans to expand their activities to Tanzania, highlighting the cross-border nature of climate challenges.
Uganda's Anti-Gay Law Sparks Trade Battle with the United States
Uganda's stringent anti-homosexuality law has led to a trade conflict with the United States, resulting in new sanctions and Uganda's exclusion from the AGOA trade agreement. President Joe Biden cited human rights violations as the reason, while Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni criticized Western interference. The sanctions are expected to impact Uganda's economy, which heavily relies on foreign aid. Local experts suggest dialogue to avoid further economic damage. The situation also raises concerns about the impact on health services, particularly HIV treatment.
Uganda Charcoal Ban Ignites Transition Debate
The ban on commercial charcoal trade in Uganda, decreed by President Yoweri Museveni, has been met with mixed reactions. While environmentalists welcome the move to protect forest cover and reduce carbon emissions, the abrupt implementation has devastated the livelihoods of many, including traders like Hamidu Ssenyondo and Irene Nabantanzi. The ban has led to a surge in charcoal prices and illegal production, with traders resorting to bribery and smuggling to continue their business. Authorities are enforcing the ban with the help of community volunteers, but corruption allegations persist. Alternatives to charcoal, such as hydropower and 'green charcoal,' are being discussed, but the lack of infrastructure and policies for these alternatives has left many former sellers and buyers of charcoal feeling they were sacrificed without adequate support or preparation for the transition.
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