Residents protest delayed compensation on Iganga-Luuka-Kamuli Road project

Residents affected by the ongoing Iganga-Luuka-Kamuli road project have expressed frustration over delayed compensation, saying the uncertainty has disrupted livelihoods and left many families stranded.

The affected residents accuse the Ministry of Works and Transport of failing to fulfil promises of compensation despite issuing eviction notices to pave way for the multi-billion-shilling road project.

“We are in a difficult situation. We destroyed our gardens of maize, beans, and potatoes in preparation to vacate, yet some of our homes still lie within the road reserve. We are ready to relocate, but we need to be compensated first,” said Mr Sande, a resident of Kitayunjwa.

Communities affected include Bulwamaza, Naminage, Bulopa, Nawango, Bugogolo and Ki “Russia” in Namaganda, where residents say boundary markers have already been placed through homes and gardens.

Mr Dan Alibundi, the LC I chairperson of Bulwamaza Zone in Kitayunjwa Sub-county, said more than 70 residents in the area are still awaiting payment.

“Boundary markers have already been placed, even cutting through people’s homes, yet compensation has been selective. This is frustrating because everyone wants to move forward at the same time,” Mr Alibundi said.

Some residents who have already received compensation appealed to government to speed up payments for others still waiting.

“We ask the authorities to handle this process quickly so that all affected families can relocate peacefully,” said Mr Bernard Gimba, one of the compensated residents in Bugogolo.

Kamuli Resident District Commissioner Ms Rose Birungi acknowledged the delays and said only a limited number of project-affected persons had so far received compensation.

“Payments have been made to a few individuals, leaving many others behind. I urge the government to address this matter with urgency,” Ms Birungi said.

Uganda National Roads Authority spokesperson Mr Allan Ssempebwa urged residents to remain patient, saying compensation was being processed in phases as funds become available.

“So far, data has been collected for affected persons covering 28 kilometres from the Kamuli side. Of these, compensation has been completed for about 8 kilometres. This is an ongoing process, and more people will be paid as funds are released,” Mr Ssempebwa said.

The 54-kilometre Iganga-Luuka-Kamuli road project, valued at about Shs300 billion, commenced in October 2025 and is being undertaken by Arab Contractors.

Authorities say the road is expected to be completed within 36 months and is aimed at improving transport connectivity and trade in the Busoga sub-region.