A Tale of a Defender in Development

Nothing beats seeing your work transform lives and communities. You’ve probably witnessed communities or strangers being disrespected—perhaps you’ve even been a victim yourself. Defenders risk their lives, sacrifice precious moments, and endure being labeled as development saboteurs, foreign agents, and other derogatory names. Lawyers abandon their dreams of legal careers because they are deeply committed to defending vulnerable groups and communities against harmful development, human rights abuses, exclusion, threats, repression, and violence.

In my final semester of my second year at Uganda Christian University in 2018, I became captivated by environmental and human rights activism. At the time, I was studying Oil and Gas, with aspirations of working in the sector, securing employment, and avoiding the dreaded pink slip. I was also writing and researching many of the social issues facing our country. That period became a turning point when I was selected by the Africa Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO), an organization focused on environmental and human rights work. They supported my visit to oil-affected and Bugoma forest communities. During the visit, we held a film screening with Projected Affected Persons (PAPs) about the impact of oil and gas extraction in Ecuador and Nigeria. The devastation these communities shared—the gap between what they were promised and the harsh realities they faced—was heartbreaking.

That experience marked a decisive moment in my life. I was at a crossroads: on one side, a path toward a lucrative career in the oil industry; on the other, a life dedicated to making a real impact—though I didn’t realize the full extent of it at the time.

I chose to stand with the communities that had been displaced and evicted with inadequate compensation, the youth who had begun to drop out of school due to dire circumstances, and the women left in tears after their husbands disappeared with the meager compensation they had received. After just a week in the field, I returned home with a flood of questions: Why would companies and governments act so inhumanely in pursuit of wealth—the same wealth I had once dreamed of? And what could I do to help?

I began researching, writing, and mobilizing other young voices to advocate for these communities and the environment. My first job was with the Oil Refinery Resident Association (ORRA), where I worked to empower women affected by land rights issues. From there, my journey as a “defender” began—a life of service that I chose to live.

It’s hard to believe that I walked away from the prestigious legal career I had envisioned, but what I didn’t anticipate was how long I’d remain in this seat—unsure if I’ll ever stop. Time passes unnoticed. The sun rises and sets, often indifferent to my efforts. But despite the struggles, I’ve witnessed positive signs, real change, and unprecedented participation from youth and indigenous communities.

The beauty of this work lies in knowing what you’re fighting for and who you’re fighting against. Alongside other defenders, I’ve been fighting the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), owned by Total Energies (62%), CNOOC (8%), and the governments of Uganda and Tanzania (each owning 15%). EACOP is a 1,443 km pipeline that cuts through the heart of Africa, displacing communities, destroying ecosystems, and endangering wildlife.

Initially, civil society organizations condemned the human rights abuses related to land and environmental degradation. They supported communities in petitioning and engaging with corporations and government agencies, but no answers were given. Now, young people are asking what kind of future EACOP will leave for them, their children, and their grandchildren. Together, we are peacefully protesting in front of oil companies, parliament, embassies, and government ministries, demanding answers and action on community and environmental concerns.

We’re building connections with oil-affected communities, working together to peacefully demonstrate against harmful projects. We’re not just defending our communities—we’re also shaping what the future should look like amidst global climate chaos. The real story here is how oil companies use our leaders and institutions to enrich themselves while leaving our communities to cope with landlessness, loss of livelihoods, environmental degradation, climate change, and family breakdowns—issues faced by oil host communities in Nigeria, Ecuador, and beyond. The elites are profiting through presidential handshakes, and the president calls it “his oil.” But what does this mean for the future of young people? Who will address the long-ignored concerns of host communities?

The work we’ve done with other young defenders may sound like a beautiful story, and the successes are clear. Twenty-nine commercial banks have withdrawn support for the project, and 28 insurance companies have refused to insure it. Public opinion is shifting, and the voices of communities are being heard. Youth and communities are creating spaces to discuss real, uncomfortable issues, and they are calling for green, sustainable alternatives. Communities are establishing demo farms, beekeeping projects, and tree-planting initiatives that are working, generating income, and offering hope. Perhaps the government and corporations should invest more in these initiatives, as they are proving effective.

However, those who follow the news know that this progress comes at a cost. Environmental and human rights defenders have been arrested, detained, and now face fabricated criminal charges, such as common nuisance, incitement to violence, or unlawful assembly. Our spaces are shrinking, and we are called names like saboteurs. Yet, the sight of happy communities keeps us going.

As defenders, we don’t quit in tough times, nor do we give in to repression, threats, or violence. Instead, we continue to fight peacefully, building effective responses to defend what is right. Recently, we filed complaints with the UN Special Rapporteurs on Environmental Defenders and Freedom of Expression about the arrest of climate defenders. We’ve taken legal action against police officers who ordered unjustified arrests, holding them liable in their individual capacities alongside the government.

We won’t back down, even with the looming reports that Chinese firms plan to fund the construction of the pipeline that is harming our communities and destroying our nature. We are also learning about China’s overseas policies, and we’ll make it clear to them that no development should come at the expense of human rights.

The journey of a defender should be a moment of reflection for any young person considering their future. When you stop to think about it, you’ll realize that the future will be destroyed if we don’t defend it today. It requires sacrifice, and it would be a betrayal if we don’t protect it for future generations.

Proud Defender,
Aryampa Brighton