Kapaapi Communities Sue Total Energies and Government Over Forced Evictions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kampala, Uganda

April 13, 2026

Kapaapi Communities Sue Total Energies E & P Uganda B.V. and Government Over Forced Evictions, Human Rights Violations, and Renewed Threats

Hoima, Uganda – Community members from Kapaapi Parish in Kigorobya Sub-county, Hoima District, through their representatives Kankiriho David, Mbombo Steven, and Ajaruva Uchida, have filed a case before the High Court in Hoima against TotalEnergies E & P Uganda B.V, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Hoima, Mr. Mbabazi Rodgers, and the Government of Uganda.

The Applicants have also filed applications seeking temporary and urgent interim injunctive reliefs to stop any further eviction and interference with their quiet possession of the land.

Background

Between 10th and 25th February 2023, over 1000 community members were violently evicted from their land… (homes destroyed, women subjected to gang rape and sexual violence, families left homeless).

This eviction was carried out without any court order and in violation of an existing Consent Order.

Why the Case Was Filed

The case challenges a pattern of violent dispossession, impunity, and institutional failure. TotalEnergies is accused of failing to carry out proper human rights due diligence.

Key Orders Sought

Compensation and full restitution for affected communities.

Transparency and disclosure of all records.

Independent compensation review.

Permanent injunction stopping further interference.

“Unless the Court urgently intervenes, more than 1,600 residents face the real risk of another violent eviction…” — Peter Arinaitwe, Head of Strategic Litigation at HEAPI.

Doreen Namara, CEO of Liberty Pro Bono Initiative (LPI), stated:

The acts of sexual violence, forced eviction, and continued intimidation are grave violations of fundamental human rights…”

ENDS