Gov't resettles 50 displaced persons

A total of over 50 physically displaced persons who were affected by the Mbarara - Nkenda 132Kv (160) transmission line project in the western region have been resettled.

The two bedroomed houses each with a kitchen, a pit latrine and a water tank to harvest rain water costs about sh50m.

The Board Member, Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL), Sarah Timarwa said the resettlement houses are part of the project conditions that require leaving the affected persons in a better state than they found them.

"The benefits of owning a home are multifaceted. It restores individuals' confidence and dignity providing a stable home for family where children learn and pursue their dreams within a secure environment," she explained.

"All of these things contribute to a solid foundation for any family to have a stake in the country's development. I therefore urge the beneficiaries to maintain them and not sell them for quick gains," Timarwa noted

The Project Manager Implementation, Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL), William Nkemba, also said they are implementing national grid projects to expand the transmission network, evacuate power from generation sites, rehabilitate/ upgrade the national grid and facilitate regional power trade and exchange.

"As part of government's effort to provide electricity for all, the company is implementing projects to meet the energy needs of Uganda Population for social and economic development," he explained.

The Mbarara - Nkenda 132Kv transmission line is intended to improve on reliability, availability and quality of power supply to the western region of Uganda.

The 160km project that traverses the districts of Mbarara, Sheema, Bushenyi, Rubirirzi and Kasese is funded by the African Development Bank.

The projects components include construction of the transmission line and related substations at Mbarara North and Nkenda substations.

The resettlement action plan is funded by the government of Uganda and so far, a total of 2,084 persons across the mentioned districts are affected by the project out of 1,389 has already been compensated.

The Principal Public Relations Officer, UETCL, Pamela Nalwanga Byoruganda urged locals who have not yet been compensated to work on their grievances so that they can also be compensated.  

"The main challenge we are facing is delayed compensations mainly due to disputes, absentee landlords and family grievances inter alia, I urge those who are affected by the project to work on them because the more you hold on your land the more you hold the project.

The Resident District Commissioner, Sheema district, Willy Turyamubona, however raised concern over not involving them in the project.

"I was not aware of this project, but was invited to commission the houses which is not fair, I request UETCL to always involve us in such projects. I believe working together with the locals and the government will help to speed up the project. They always say if you want to move fast walk alone but if you want to move faster walk with others," Turyamubona said.

Agnes Kabigumira, 63 years, a farmer and resident of Kamabare, Rwamujojo Ward in Sheema district thanked government for constructing for her a decent house than the one she was living in.

"I would like to thank the president for constructing for me a good looking house, long live our president," she said.