(Masaka) – A group of 41 people from Lwengo, Kyotera, and Rakai districts has been taken to court by the Ugandan government for refusing compensation related to the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project. The compensation, totaling UGX 711 million, was allocated to these Project Affected Persons (PAPs) to facilitate the acquisition of their land for the pipeline project. However, the PAPs have rejected the offer, citing concerns over inadequate payment and unresolved land disputes.
The case was initially set for a hearing at Masaka High Court on September 11 but was postponed to September 16. The postponement occurred because the presiding judge, Justice Lawrence Tweyanze, was on leave. High Court Deputy Registrar, Justice Roy Karungi, adjourned the case and confirmed that Justice Tweyanze would return from his leave to handle the matter.
In court, Senior State Attorney Imelda Adong, representing the Attorney General, stated that the government is prepared to proceed with the case. The state wants to deposit the compensation amount in court, aiming to move forward with the compulsory acquisition of land for the EACOP project.
The PAPs, represented by lawyer Peter Arinaitwe, have raised several objections to the compensation. They argue that the offered amount, UGX 711 million, is too low and does not reflect the true value of their land. Additionally, some landowners are still dealing with unresolved disputes, absentee landlords, and pending challenges with the Administrator General’s office dating back to 2018. These unresolved issues have left many landowners uncertain about the future of their property.
The government has also asked the court to issue demolition and eviction orders against the 41 PAPs to ensure vacant possession of the land in question. The state is seeking to clear the way for the EACOP project, which is a key component of Uganda’s oil development strategy.
On the other side, Arinaitwe emphasized that the rights of the affected landowners must be respected. He pointed out that evicting people from their land without their consent would be a violation of their rights. His argument is supported by three legal firms, including one led by Counsel Jude Mbabali, which are offering free legal services to the 41 PAPs involved in the case.
The court will now hear the arguments from both sides on September 16, with the PAPs hoping to secure better compensation or resolution of their land disputes.
| Key Issues Raised by PAPs | Government’s Response |
|---|---|
| Compensation too low (UGX 711 million) | Wants to deposit compensation in court |
| Unresolved land disputes | Seeks eviction and demolition orders |
| Absentee landlords | Requests vacant possession of land |
