Residents from the Djugu and Irumu territories in Ituri, in the northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), are urging the judiciary to speed up the legal review of two oil projects in neighboring Uganda. These projects, known as Tilenga and Kingfisher, are located in the Albert Rift basin and have raised concerns among the communities about the potential environmental impact on Lake Albert, a vital water source for both the DRC and Uganda. In a petition dated September 9, 2026, and followed by a public statement, the affected residents argue that oil extraction in the area could lead to pollution of Lake Albert. This, they claim, would harm fish populations, worsen food insecurity, and damage the region's aquatic ecosystems. The communities are worried that the environmental damage could be irreversible and affect both Congolese and Ugandan populations who rely on the lake for their livelihoods. The petition, signed by 396 residents, was addressed to the president of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) and was written by Moïse Uweci, a community representative. In it, Uweci expresses confidence in the court, asking for an early review of their case. He emphasizes the need for legal protection against the potential harm caused by Uganda's oil activities. The petition highlights the urgency of the situation and the communities' request for swift judicial action. The communities are supported by the Congolese Alert for Environment and Human Rights (ACEDH), an organization that describes the petition as a legitimate expression of the concerns of people directly affected by the oil projects. The organization is calling for the court to set hearing dates without delay for the two appeals filed against the Tilenga and Kingfisher projects. This legal action aims to address the environmental and social risks associated with the oil developments in the region.