Former Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stanley Ntagali, has decried delayed compensation of persons affected by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) in Kikuube district.
Ntagali and the Kikuube District Woman Member of Parliament are among the EACOP Project Affected Persons (PAPs) in Kikuube district.
Speaking to the media after more than 30 PAPs petitioned the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Ntagali said the payment has been long overdue and many people are asking for the latest information.
“Three years down the road without actual compensation creates the need for revaluation that the responsible authorities should take seriously”, said Ntagali.
The PAPs had petitioned the Kikuube District Woman Member of Parliament, Florence Natumanya, but to find that she was also a PAP.
She instead led them to the RDC’s office.
Natumanya, too, wants her piece of land evaluated again saying that as of now she expects Shs10m.
“I saw it crucial to move with my people since I am also a PAP. But I have hope that the line offices will address our concerns,” she said.
Francis Mwesigwa, the chairperson of the PAPs said they are 100 persons dissatisfied with the process in different locations including Kyakatemba, Rwamusaga, Butimba East, Kihinga and Butimba West villages in Kiziramfumbi sub-county.
“The value of land to replace the affected persons and even the costs of constructing a house have jumped far much higher than as of three years ago when our properties were valued,” he said.
Amlan Tumusiime, the Kikuube RDC told our reporter that he has already forwarded the matter to the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) and other relevant offices promising to give the appropriate feedback to the petitioners as soon as possible.
The ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development is responsible for land acquisition.
The land value is determined by the Chief Government Valuer (CGV) who may choose to add some percentage on the compensation package after consultations if deemed necessary due to the delays.
However, it should be noted that the valuation of temporary structures and crops is determined by the district land Board and approved by the CGV but also depending on the prevailing market price.
It might necessitate serious advocacy to influence revaluation since it is not only the Kikuube PAPs complaining in relation to pipeline projects.