Uganda Radio Network (URN) visited the area and found that the majority of the affected people are sleeping under trees, in the nearby churches and schools. Others are being accommodated at Butiaba Market while others have erected makeshift structures.
Eyewitnesses, including Patrick Okumu, the Kihungya Parish Councilor, reported that the driver was traveling at high speed, which likely contributed to his inability to navigate the sharp corner on the River Waaki bridge.
The most affected people were from Wanseko, Katanga, Masaka landing sites in Kigwera sub-county and Kawaibanda, Butiaba, Boma, Kigangaizi, Tugombili and Walukuba. Other affected people are from Bugoigo, Kamagongoro, Kigungu, Serule, Piida, Waisoki, Triangle and Magali in Butiaba sub-county, Kabolwa and Kigoya landing sites in Buliisa sub-county.
Simon Kule, the facility's in-charge, highlights the strain on resources caused by the influx of Congolese nationals seeking treatment, leading to shortages of essential drugs and putting pressure on the available medical staff.
The suspects whose particulars have been concealed for fear of jeopardizing investigations with others still at large are accused of setting ablaze a hazardous waste truck following an accident that killed one person on February 16, 2024.
Raymond Mujuni, the in-charge of Buliisa Health Center IV, explains that despite receiving a consignment of drugs from the National Medical Stores two weeks ago, the supply has been depleted due to the high demand from the growing number of patients.
Ruth Nankabirwa, the Minister for Energy and Mineral Development warned that government has no other option but to forcefully take over the land should the PAPs reject the compensation money.
Balikenda is one of the nine Project Affected Persons (PAPs) under the second Resettlement Action Plan (RAP2) that are yet to receive full compensation or resettlement for their land that has been acquired for oil and gas activities.
