Uganda assures road project residents of compensation

The Ministry of Works and Transport has reassured residents whose properties were impacted by the construction of the Luweero-Butalangu Road that their compensation is forthcoming. Ministry spokesperson Allan Ssempebwa Kyobe stated that the government is committed to settling all outstanding payments within the current financial quarter.

Kyobe urged affected residents to cooperate with the contractor, Dott Services Limited, emphasizing that the road is a vital public investment that will significantly benefit communities in the Luweero and Nakaseke districts. The 29.7-kilometer road, initiated in June 2023 with a budget of Shs93.8 billion, was initially slated for completion within two years.

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Our equipment is still on the ground and we are ready to complete the road. Officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport have assured us they will engage the affected residents so that they allow us to proceed as the compensation process is finalised

However, nearly three years later, Dott Services reports the project is 85% complete, with only 2.8 kilometers remaining. Isaac Ssebuliba, a measurements engineer for the contractor, indicated that compensation delays for some property owners might push the completion date beyond the initially hoped-for August 16. Specifically, sections totaling 1.6 kilometers at the road's beginning in Luweero, including areas around Kiwoko and Wansalangi, cannot be finished until these residents are compensated.

"Our equipment is still on the ground and we are ready to complete the road," Ssebuliba said. "Officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport have assured us they will engage the affected residents so that they allow us to proceed as the compensation process is finalised." Ministry officials, during an inspection visit, reiterated their commitment. Ssempebwa urged residents to reconsider their stance, highlighting the road's potential to improve transport and market access. He also commended those who have already allowed construction to proceed, acknowledging their cooperation in reaching the project's current stage. The government anticipates the road's completion before the year's end, pending the resolution of compensation issues.

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It is the responsibility of the Ministry to compensate these people, and I want to assure them that they will be compensated just like the rest. At the same time, this road will greatly improve transport and help them access markets more easily. We ask them to reconsider their decision and allow the contractor to complete the remaining work