Residents from Kiryandongo, impacted by the Karuma Hydro Power Project, have petitioned President Museveni seeking improved compensation for their land and property.
The petition, spearheaded by local leaders William Ojick and Susan Ochway, highlights the plight of over 119 households that have not received compensation for more than 11 years since the project’s inception.
Ojick emphasized the urgent need for a reassessment of property values to ensure fair compensation for those affected.
“We want to request His Excellency to direct the people concerned to revisit the entire exercise specifically with the purpose of revaluing our property,” he stated.
The frustrations of the residents stem from inadequate compensation and unresolved resettlement issues. The petition also addressed the challenges faced by women and young girls in the area, particularly regarding employment opportunities related to the project.
Ojick raised alarming concerns about incidents of sexual violence, stating that some young girls have been raped by Chinese workers, resulting in children without any support.
Robert Kugonza, executive director of Friends of the Environment and Development, who is representing the residents, revealed that there are serious discrepancies in land management.
“Different plots appear with the same plot numbers. Yet some people were paid, while others, including the true rightful owners of the plots, have not been paid to date,” Kugonza explained.
He further noted that the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development is aware of these issues but has yet to take action to rectify the situation. Kugonza highlighted that limited support and resources have led to the difficulties faced by the local population, prompting urgent calls for government intervention.
The Karuma Hydro Power Project, which began construction in 2013, aims to significantly enhance Uganda’s electricity generation capacity. However, the social impact on surrounding communities has raised critical questions about the effectiveness of the compensation process and the overall management of the project.
