The Uganda National Roads Authority (Unra) is embroiled in a land reimbursement dispute with a group of people, who have now petitioned courts of law to intervene.
The affected persons who seeking to be paid gave up their land for the Shs 167,458,031,180 Nyakahita, Kazo, Ibanda, Kamwenge road project that was completed way back in 2011 but have never been compensated.
This road was constructed by the Chinese Railway Seventh company at a tune of Shs167 billion with 73% of the budget funded by the loan from the African Development Bank.
The payment for people displaced by Unra six years was expected to be done by the end of last year according to a Memorandum of Understanding between Unra and 29 representatives of the individuals signed on October 28, 2016 by by Mr Titus Kamya, the head litigation, directorate of legal services at Unra and his boss Allen Kagina.
However, there appears to be confusion between the ministry, Unra M/S Tumwebaze, Atuginza Kobusingye Advocates alongside Abbas Advocates over the modality of payment.
Although there were several assurance letters from Unra to have the affected people paid the assessment and report on the affected people in a specified time, the roads body has allegedly backtracked on the promise.
Initial estimates for compensation were put at Shs24 billion. However, Unra’s head of corporate affairs Mark Ssali said their land acquisition team has been conducting a sweep-up operation of the project, doing valuations for the affected persons., “that process is still ongoing, 70% complete.”
“The findings will be sent through to the Chief Government Valuer for review and approval, then the affected persons will be compensated,” he said.
About 1000 locals who are affected have not received cash. They are staying put and making it difficult for Unra bosses to enjoy their new year.
