An environmental activist striving to prevent a $5bn internationally funded oil pipeline in Uganda has been released from detention, according to his employer.

The Environmental Governance Institute (EGI) declared on Monday that the activist was discovered abandoned on the roadside in Kyenjoyo and is now secure.

“Sadly, he is in a deteriorated state due to severe beatings, mistreatment, and abuse over the past week. Medical professionals are currently conducting thorough examinations.”

EGI is protesting against the construction of the 1,445km (900-mile) East African Crude Oil Pipeline, which aims to transport oil from western Uganda's oilfields to a port on Tanzania’s coastline.

EGI reported that the Ugandan military apprehended Kwikiriza on Tuesday.

The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) claimed he was taken by Ugandan military personnel dressed in civilian attire, calling it a “drastic increase in repression”.

An upper echelon military official confirmed Kwikiriza’s detention to the Agence France-Presse news agency on Monday.

“He was apprehended for interrogation regarding his unlawful activities, such as organizing fellow activists to oppose the oil pipeline,” the officer informed AFP under the condition of anonymity, noting that he was freed post-interrogation.

“I have not been made aware of him being beaten during questioning. It is a matter that can be scrutinized and verified.”

FIDH stated that 11 environmental activists “were abducted, unjustly arrested, detained, or subjected to various forms of harassment by Ugandan authorities from May 27 to June 5, 2024”.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) also expressed concerns about Kwikiriza’s disappearance.

“The Ugandan government should cease its harassment of critics opposing oil developments like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline Project, which has already ravaged numerous livelihoods in Uganda and, if completed, will displace scores of people while exacerbating the global climate crisis,” Myrto Tilianaki, senior advocate for environmental rights at HRW, said in a statement.

French energy corporation TotalEnergies holds the majority stake in the pipeline alongside the China National Offshore Oil Corporation and the Ugandan and Tanzanian governments which have minority shares.

“TotalEnergies E&P Uganda does not condone threats or violence against those who peacefully advocate for and advance human rights,” TotalEnergies commented in a statement to the Reuters news agency on Monday.

The corporation has dismissed accusations from activists and international bodies that the pipeline would displace tens of thousands and devastate delicate ecosystems.

The European Parliament opposed the pipeline in a resolution passed in September 2022.