Brian Mugulusi, one of the leaders, expressed fears that some PAPs might miss out on the final compensation due to claims from SGR officials that many are illegal settlers in wetlands. Given the prolonged wait and two evaluation processes by the government, he questions the legitimacy of these claims.
The people affected by the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Jinja City have raised concerns over delayed compensation, which has dragged on for nine years, leaving them in limbo. Initially evaluated in 2016 and re-evaluated in 2022 with promises of payment within three months, they are yet to receive compensation.
Over 634 Project Affected Persons- PAPs from Jinja City report that their counterparts in other districts like Mayuge and Namutumba have already been compensated, further deepening their frustration. Brian Mugulusi, one of the leaders, expressed fears that some PAPs might miss out on the final compensation due to claims from SGR officials that many are illegal settlers in wetlands. Given the prolonged wait and two evaluation processes by the government, he questions the legitimacy of these claims.
//Cue in: "The SGR people...
Cue out: ...on the ground."
Juma Silingyi, another PAP, highlighted the hardships he has endured, living in a makeshift house for nine years due to restrictions on construction by SGR officials. He threatened legal action if compensation is not forthcoming.
//Cue in: "Amazima gali' nti...
Cue out: ...ebyaffe ku'bwerere."
Similarly, Derrick Kabaalekanika, who inherited his home, dismissed claims of wetland encroachment, pointing out the lack of clear boundaries or markers from the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA).
//Cue in: "Abantu bona bona...
Cue out: ...nti oba egwile."
The PAPs have reported the issue to various authorities in Jinja City but have seen little progress. Joseph Nabugho called for fair compensation to cover the nine years of waiting, arguing that their lives were disrupted by the project’s implementation.
//Cue in: "Batutambwiza...
Cue out: ...atte mubusiimu."
In response, SGR's engineer in Jinja, Steven Isabirye, dismissed the wetland concerns and assured that all PAPs would receive compensation, although he declined to provide further details.
