Judith Afoyorwoth2025-06-302025-06-302025-05-18https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12311/2805THESISThis study examines the legal impact of oil spills on the environment in Hoima District, Uganda, focusing on the effectiveness of existing legal frameworks in mitigating environmental degradation. The research adopts a qualitative approach, utilising a doctrinal and analytical research design to assess legal compliance, environmental consequences, and regulatory gaps. Primary and secondary data sources, including legal statutes, environmental reports, and case studies from comparable oil-producing regions, are analysed through content and comparative analysis. The study evaluates Uganda’s legal regime, including the National Environment Act Cap 181 and the Petroleum (Exploration, Development, and Production) Act Cap 161, against international standards such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the African Convention on Conservation of Nature. Findings reveal significant gaps in enforcement, corporate accountability, and community participation, leading to persistent environmental harm, including soil degradation, water contamination, and biodiversity loss. The study concludes that while Uganda’s legal framework is robust on paper, weak implementation, regulatory capture, and insufficient remediation mechanisms undermine its effectiveness. Recommendations include strengthening institutional capacity, adopting stricter liability measures, enhancing public participation, and integrating international best practices to ensure sustainable oil exploration and environmental justice in Hoima District.enThesis