Greenpeace Africa has described news that Uganda and Tanzania have finalised plans to build an oil pipeline from Hoima to Tanga as a ‘neo-colonial project that has vast environmental and climate risks’.

Uganda, Tanzania and oil firms Total and CNOOC last weekend signed agreements  to kickstart the construction of  the $3.5 billion 1,440 Kilometers long crude oil pipeline.

“Oil companies are desperately clinging onto a dying industry. They clearly have vested interests in keeping their pockets lined. Communities in East Africa are not interested in dirty, outdated, fossil-fuels. They are rising up and championing a future that is powered by renewable sources of energy,” said Greenpeace Africa Senior Political Advisor, Fredrick Njehu.

Read more: The Independent