UNRA to clear Mityana Road compensation cases
May 23, 2017
UNRA said compensation was mishandled by the previous management of the authority
After a decade of residents affected by Kampala-Mityana Road seeking compensation, Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has formed a committee to cater for all pending cases.
Over 1,300 residents complained to UNRA over delayed compensation for their lost property including homes that were affected by the reconstruction and widening of the 54km road in 2007.
Last week, during a meeting at Malangala Sub County headquarters with Mityana district leadership and residents affected by the road project, UNRA executive director, Allen Kagina, said compensation was mishandled by the previous management of the authority and promised to settle any pending complaints.
"The sweep-up team is mandated to move from house to house registering pending cases related to compensation. Local leaders should assist the team to avoid further problems including false information and fraud," said Kagina.
Mityana district leaders that included Josh Luzige the district chairperson, Judith Nabakooba the Mityana Woman MP, David Kalwanga of Busujju and the Mityana RDC Capt. Yahaya Kakooza, applauded UNRA's intervention even though it had been long overdue.
"What those people want is money for their lost property to the road project. These people have been patient for long and some went to court" said Kalwanga.
Mande Buwembi the Malangala chairman said some claimants had passed away without getting compensation in a battle that began a decade ago.
The 54km Busega -Mityana Road was reconstructed in 2007 and the works involved widening the carriageway and realigning sharp corners which led to acquisition of more land.
Though some of the project affected persons were paid off before and during the construction works, others were skipped due to lack of document to support ownership on land while others were affected by family wrangles.
Frank Owesigere from M/S Kaggwa, Owesigire and Company Advocates, the claimants' lawyer, apologized to Kagina for being tough on UNRA staff saying it emanated from his clients' pressure.