Four Ugandan Farmers Sue TotalEnergies in UK Over Oil Pipeline Damages

July 11, 2026 3 min read

Four Ugandan farmers have filed a lawsuit in UK courts against TotalEnergies, alleging the French energy giant caused widespread damage to their land during construction of a major oil pipeline project. The legal action, filed in the High Court in London, marks an escalation in the long-running dispute over the Tilenga project in Uganda's Buliisa and Kikuube districts. The farmers claim inadequate compensation for land acquired and environmental harm caused by exploration activities linked to the pipeline that is intended to carry crude oil from Uganda's Lake Albert region to the Tanzanian coast.

The Legal Battle Reaches London

The case was filed on behalf of the four farmers by environmental law organisation Environmental Defense Advocates Uganda. Their legal team confirmed the lawsuit targets TotalEnergies' parent company, arguing that UK courts have jurisdiction because the parent company is registered there. The farmers are seeking unspecified damages for loss of livelihoods and environmental contamination. This marks the first time Ugandan citizens have pursued such a claim against a foreign oil company in UK courts, setting a potential precedent for future cross-border cases involving French companies operating in Africa.

The Tilenga Project Under Scrutiny

The Tilenga project involves the development of oil fields in the Albertine Graben region of western Uganda, with TotalEnergies serving as the operator alongside the Uganda National Oil Company. The company began production in February 2023, and crude extraction is ongoing across multiple well sites. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline, stretching over 1,443 kilometres, connects these fields to the port of Tanga in Tanzania. The entire development represents one of the largest new oil projects on the African continent, with TotalEnergies investing billions of dollars in exploration and infrastructure.

Community Disputes Over Land and Compensation

For years, residents in the affected districts have raised concerns about the pace and fairness of compensation payments. Local community leaders say many farming families received settlements that were insufficient to restore their livelihoods. The land in Buliisa and Kikuube supports subsistence agriculture, with crops including cassava, beans, and maize. Farmers say drilling activities have contaminated water sources and reduced soil productivity on surrounding plots. The government's compensation framework has faced criticism from advocacy groups who argue it undervalues agricultural land.

TotalEnergies Defends Its Record

In a statement, TotalEnergies said it has engaged with local communities throughout the project and maintains that compensation was paid according to Ugandan law. The company emphasised its commitment to environmental standards and said it will defend itself against the claims. The French firm has operated in Uganda since the early 2000s and has described the Tilenga project as essential for Uganda's economic development. The company argues the development will generate government revenue, create employment, and contribute to energy security across East Africa.

French Operations Draw Regional Attention

TotalEnergies is one of several French energy companies with major operations across Africa. In Nigeria, the company operates joint ventures producing crude oil and liquefied natural gas. The Ugandan case has drawn attention from advocacy organisations monitoring how European firms conduct business on the continent. French developments in the energy sector frequently attract scrutiny over environmental practices and community relations. The outcome of this UK lawsuit could influence how French multinationals approach land acquisition and compensation in future projects.

What Happens Next

The UK High Court will need to determine whether it has jurisdiction to hear the case. TotalEnergies is expected to challenge the court's authority to proceed. Legal analysts say the case could take years to resolve given its complexity and the international dimensions involved. If the case moves forward, it will examine the chain of liability between the parent company and its Ugandan subsidiaries. Farmers' representatives say they are prepared for a lengthy legal fight. The next scheduled hearing is expected within three months, when judges will rule on preliminary procedural matters.