A Toxic Secret Beneath Kampala’s Streets?
A shocking lawsuit has been filed against French energy giant TotalEnergies in Uganda’s Commercial Court, accusing the company of withholding critical information about a heavily contaminated fuel depot in the heart of Kampala. But here’s where it gets controversial: the contractor, Civtec Africa Limited, claims TotalEnergies knowingly concealed the extent of pollution, putting not just their workers but potentially millions of Kampala residents at risk. And this is the part most people miss—the contamination could have seeped into the city’s water table, a lifeline for nearly five million people.
The case, Civtec Africa Limited vs TotalEnergies Marketing Uganda Limited (Civil Suit No. 264 of 2025), centers on TotalEnergies’ 8th Street Depot in Kampala’s Industrial Area. Civtec alleges that during demolition and excavation, they uncovered “extensive hydrocarbon contamination,” including oil, gas, and hazardous fumes within underground pipes. The contractor argues that TotalEnergies failed to disclose these dangers, violating Uganda’s National Environment Act, 2019, and exposing Civtec to environmental, health, and financial risks.
Why does this matter? Kampala’s water supply relies heavily on underground aquifers, which lie directly beneath the industrial area. If the contaminants spread, as Civtec suggests, it could have dire consequences for public health—increased cancer risks, respiratory issues, and further strain on the city’s already fragile water infrastructure. TotalEnergies, however, remains tight-lipped, stating only that they cannot comment while the case is in court.
But is this an isolated incident? TotalEnergies has faced similar accusations globally, particularly in Africa, where environmental and human rights groups have criticized the company for inadequate safeguards and lack of transparency. This lawsuit raises broader questions: Are multinational corporations prioritizing profits over public safety? And how can we ensure accountability when environmental risks are concealed?
Civtec claims they lost 48 working days due to undisclosed hazards and were not fully compensated for the expanded scope of work, including the relocation of an electrical powerhouse. The Kampala Capital City Authority also intervened in 2019, alleging TotalEnergies failed to obtain necessary approvals for drainage work. Despite approving the disposal of contaminated soil, TotalEnergies reportedly delayed payments until months after the work was completed.
What’s next? Pre-trial hearings are set to begin later this year, putting TotalEnergies’ compliance with Ugandan environmental laws under intense scrutiny. But the bigger question remains: How can we prevent such incidents from happening again? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think companies like TotalEnergies are doing enough to protect the environment and public health? Or is this just the tip of the iceberg?
