Exploitation of natural resources in the third world, and Uganda is characterized by exploitative practices by the rich and powerful against the poor. Power imbalances between the investors and local communities in areas rich with minerals, oil and gas, arable land, forestry, and other natural resources are responsible for higher levels of poverty, conflict, and disease in a resource curse-like scenario. The focus by state authorities on foreign direct investment at the altar of community livelihoods makes communities more vulnerable.

The struggle by communities and civil society to contest the existing power relations has had limited success. In many situations, state authorities use tools of intimidation, suppression of human rights defenders and other human rights violations to suppress critical voices. In recent times, allegations of intimidation, arrest, and prosecution of activists have increased in numeracy and intensity to almost crisis levels. Promoting corporate accountability is a risky undertaking for activists especially those that work directly with communities.