Families split over gold prospects
Oct 11, 2007
WOMEN in Kitumbi sub-county in Mubende district, where gold mining is soon expected to begin, have complained that their husbands are abandoning the families as they await money meant for compensation of their property. <br>
WOMEN in Kitumbi sub-county in Mubende district, where gold mining is soon expected to begin, have complained that their husbands are abandoning the families as they await money meant for compensation of their property.
Luke Kagiri reports that about 462 families face eviction in Kamalenge village, where Anglo Ugandan Corporation is to carry out gold mining.
“Some men are looking for other girls to comfort them. They want to keep away from us such that by the time they get the money, we are not in relationships with them. Others are looking for small rooms to rent in towns, where they can abandon us,†Resty Asiimwe, their representative, said in a memorandum presented to the area Woman MP, Faridah Najjuma Kasaka and the district leaders recently.
Kasasa had convened a meeting at Kamalenge Camp following complaints by the residents that the evaluation of their property for compensation, was not properly done. “We are suffering before we are even paid. What will happen when they get money? We appeal to you (Kasasa) to work with the district leaders and the Government to address our problems. We are caring for the families. These men spend most of their time in bars. Now they are abandoning us,†Asiimwe revealed as the rest of the women cheered her.
Kasasa said she would work with the sub-county community development officer to address the matters. “If the situation worsens, we shall take further steps.â€
She appealed to the area leaders to ensure that a proper compensation system is implemented.
Kasasa called upon the district officials to be prepared for any outcome of the evictions, saying more people may suffer.
Getrude Njuba, an official from the gold mining corporation, said they were waiting for the valuation list to compensate the residents before mining starts.
Luke Kagiri reports that about 462 families face eviction in Kamalenge village, where Anglo Ugandan Corporation is to carry out gold mining.
“Some men are looking for other girls to comfort them. They want to keep away from us such that by the time they get the money, we are not in relationships with them. Others are looking for small rooms to rent in towns, where they can abandon us,†Resty Asiimwe, their representative, said in a memorandum presented to the area Woman MP, Faridah Najjuma Kasaka and the district leaders recently.
Kasasa had convened a meeting at Kamalenge Camp following complaints by the residents that the evaluation of their property for compensation, was not properly done. “We are suffering before we are even paid. What will happen when they get money? We appeal to you (Kasasa) to work with the district leaders and the Government to address our problems. We are caring for the families. These men spend most of their time in bars. Now they are abandoning us,†Asiimwe revealed as the rest of the women cheered her.
Kasasa said she would work with the sub-county community development officer to address the matters. “If the situation worsens, we shall take further steps.â€
She appealed to the area leaders to ensure that a proper compensation system is implemented.
Kasasa called upon the district officials to be prepared for any outcome of the evictions, saying more people may suffer.
Getrude Njuba, an official from the gold mining corporation, said they were waiting for the valuation list to compensate the residents before mining starts.