Civil society organisations have raised concern over ongoing discussions between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) regarding possible joint oil development in the Albertine Graben, warning that the process lacks transparency and could have far-reaching environmental and social consequences.The coalitions Notre Terre Sans Pétrole (NTSP) and Stop EACOP are calling for the suspension of any new transboundary oil expansion until clear environmental, social and governance safeguards are established.Their concerns follow a joint communiqué issued on May 11, 2026, after a meeting between President Yoweri Museveni and his Congolese counterpart, Félix Tshisekedi.The communiqué indicated that both countries discussed the management of shared natural resources, particularly in areas around Lake Albert and Lake Edward, as well as potential cooperation in the energy sector.While the statement signalled growing bilateral engagement, civil society actors argue that the absence of public disclosure on the scope, timelines and implications of the discussions raises accountability concerns.According to remarks attributed to President Museveni, the DRC has expressed interest in participating in Uganda’s oil infrastructure, including the crude oil pipeline and refinery. The two countries are understood to share petroleum reserves that straddle their common border.Analysts note that such cooperation, if pursued, could significantly alter the trajectory of oil development in the region, particularly by extending exploration and production activities into eastern DRC.However, NTSP and Stop EACOP caution that this potential expansion is being considered without adequate consultation of affected communities or independent assessment of environmental risks.“The governments cannot proceed with transboundary oil projects without transparency and without involving communities whose livelihoods depend on these ecosystems,” said Uwechi Moise, a representative of fishing communities on Lake Albert.The Albertine Graben is one of Africa’s most ecologically sensitive regions, supporting biodiversity as well as livelihoods in fishing, agriculture and tourism. Observers warn that uncoordinated or poorly regulated oil development could place additional strain on already vulnerable ecosystems.Concerns are compounded by experiences from ongoing oil projects in Uganda, including Tilenga, Kingfisher and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), which have faced criticism from rights groups over alleged displacement, environmental degradation and limited community participation.Local stakeholders say the effects are already being felt. Siifa Mwesige, a fish trader on Lake Albert, noted that increased oil activity has disrupted traditional livelihoods.“Fishing communities are experiencing pollution and changes that are affecting both the lake and our businesses,” she said, adding that women traders are particularly vulnerable to these shifts.The matter has also taken a legal dimension, with representatives of Congolese fishing communities filing a case before the East African Court of Justice over alleged cross-border environmental impacts linked to oil activities in the region.Environmental governance experts say the current situation reflects broader challenges in the extractives sector.“Uganda’s oil and gas development has historically been characterised by limited transparency, particularly regarding production-sharing agreements and public access to information,” said Samuel Okulony, executive director of the Environment Governance Institute.He warned that similar patterns in emerging Uganda–DRC cooperation could undermine public trust and weaken accountability mechanisms.NTSP representative Pascal Mirindi noted the need to learn from past experiences, noting that oil exploitation in other parts of the DRC has had lasting negative effects on communities and ecosystems.For their part, Stop EACOP officials argue that the proposed cooperation risks entrenching a model of resource extraction that disproportionately benefits investors while exposing local populations to environmental and economic vulnerabilities.Civil society groups are now urging both governments to prioritise transparency and inclusive decision-making. Among their key demands is the publication of independent environmental, social and climate impact assessments, as well as adherence to the principle of free, prior and informed consent.They also call for structured public engagement processes to ensure that communities affected by potential projects are adequately informed and consulted.The post Civil society demands transparency in Uganda–DRC oil talks appeared first on The Observer Media Ltd.