The construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) connecting Uganda's Tilenga oil fields to the Tanzanian coast has the potential to significantly boost the country's economy, but it also raises concerns about the environmental and social impact of the pipeline on local communities.

Along the path of Uganda’s EACOP oil pipeline project, farmers claim they were strong-armed into signing inadequate compensation agreements for their land, while oil companies tout economic progress and downplay allegations of misconduct. With development set to begin, the need to resolve these tensions is growing more urgent.

The human rights record of President Yoweri Museveni and his National Resistance Movement in Uganda has been criticized by international organizations, with concerns raised about suppression of political opposition and media freedom.

Few Ugandans alive today have memories of any other leader besides President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled the country for 40 years. But for now, there is no certainty that Museveni plans to step down, nor is there a succession plan to facilitate an orderly transition that would preserve peace and stability in the event he does.