A high-stakes Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Uganda and Niger came to a shocking standstill yesterday after a Ugandan university student stormed the pitch in a one-man protest against French oil giant TotalEnergies.
The intruder — later identified as Mugezi Nicholas, a student at Kyambogo University — sprinted onto the field mid-match, halting play and leaving players and fans stunned.
Waving his arms and shouting slogans, Mugezi called for TotalEnergies to end all operations in Africa, specifically condemning the controversial East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). The $5 billion project, which will transport crude oil from Uganda to Tanzania, has faced fierce criticism from environmental activists who warn it will devastate ecosystems, displace communities, and accelerate climate change.
Security personnel chased Mugezi across the turf before wrestling him to the ground and escorting him from the stadium, while bewildered players stood by.
CAF officials confirmed the match was barely paused with Uganda ultimately securing a 2-0 victory.
Activist groups have hailed Mugezi’s actions as “brave,” while others criticised the disruption, saying politics should be kept out of sport.
TotalEnergies has defended the pipeline, claiming it will bring jobs and economic growth to the region — but with scenes like this on live TV, the battle for public opinion is far from over.
