A recent interview with Mr. Ivan Bwambale Bibuwa, the chairperson for Kyarumba Town Council, revealed numerous complaints from parents concerning their children being impregnated in 2021. Following these concerns, investigations were initiated to understand the circumstances surrounding these pregnancies.
Mr. Bibuwa stated that despite high expectations for economic growth due to increased activity in the area, the aftermath is now distressing, with 31 girls and women left with fatherless children. Several women and girls reported being persuaded into sexual activities by men, primarily casual laborers working at the construction site.
The workers-turned-fathers, originating from various parts of Uganda, have all left the area and are currently unreachable by the families and mothers of their children after the completion of the project. Women like Ms. Juliet Kabugho and Ms. Jovia Biira shared their stories, detailing how they were approached and coerced into relationships by project workers who later abandoned them.
Out of the 31 impregnated women and girls, 14 were underage, and some have reportedly contracted HIV/AIDS. The matter was reported to the project contractor, Frontier Energy, in 2021, but no action has been taken to date, according to Mr. Bibuwa.
In response, Frontier Energy outlined measures implemented during the construction to prevent such incidents, including awareness campaigns on HIV/AIDS and contraception. The company acknowledged challenges due to pandemic-related restrictions but stated that free condoms were provided to employees.
At Kyarumba Health Centre III, near the construction site, Ms. Beatrice Biira, a midwife, confirmed working with girls and women who accused project employees of impregnating them. She urged the Ministry of Minerals and Energy to assist in tracing the company’s employees who may have violated the rights of the affected individuals.
Families, such as that of Ms. Jane Mbambu, face challenges caring for grandchildren born as a result of these relationships. Mr. Johncation Muhindo from Creations Forum Afrika raised concerns about the company handing over the project without addressing the issues of locals.
The Kasese District Chairperson, Mr. Eliphaz Muhindi, mentioned that no official complaints had been received but assured an investigation into the reports. The State minister of ICT and National Guidance, Mr. Godfrey Kabyanga, expressed regret over the incident and stressed the importance of educating communities about potential risks during projects.
The Acting Rwenzori East Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Luke Mbusa, stated that no complaints had been filed but urged affected families to come forward. His office would initiate a general inquiry file to investigate the claims.
