Thursday, December 12th, 2019 | By
Residents of Kyakaboga resettlement camp in Buseruka Sub County in Hoima district have decried the devastating conditions in the camp in addition to injustices resulting from delayed promises from government.
The residents, who opted for resettlement after being evicted from their land to pave way for oil refinery in Kabaale parish, say they are fed up with government’s ‘empty promises’ offirst class marrumroads, land titles and safe water as it was indicated in the Resettlement Action Plan.
SadamTekakwo, the Chairperson of the Resettled residents says they feel insecure without land titles in the oil-rich district where land grabbing is high.
“Seven people in the resettlement camp have been affected by the oil pipeline, however, they have failed to sign consent forms because they have no land titles. Even us who prefer to sell our houses in the camp due to poor living conditions and shift to other places, can’t sell due to lack of land titles,” says Tekakwo.
PhabisShabohurira, a resident says poor roads have cut off access to markets for their produce affecting their livelihood. She adds that though they have water tanks, women trek long distances to water points where one has to even join a long cue.
“The roads are very poor; we are forced to sell our produce cheaply because we have no option. This is affecting us women since most of us depend on agriculture for livelihood,” she decries.
The residents also say that congestion in the camp has led to conflicts and poor hygiene.
“The toilets, which are close to the houses, have already started smelling with in just 2 years of our stay here. Besides that Buseruka is known for having cholera outbreak during rainy season. We are worried the future is not bright for us,” says KetraMusinguzi.
Grace Cupato another resident says conflicts among residents are on increase due to cultural differences and congestion.
“One cannot live a goat or chicken at home, you find when it has been either stolen or killed,’ says Cupato
Innocent Tumwebaze, the secretary for Oil Refinery Affected Residents Association (ORRA) says they are continuing to put pressure on government to ensure that the promises made are fulfilled.
Tumwebaze says with empowerment from National Association Professional Environmentalists (NAPE) they willcontinue to petition government in quest for justice.
“If we do not fight for ourselves, no one will fight for us. Recently when I contacted one of the officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, he told me they are still processing our land titles. We shall not give up until we get what we were promised,” says Tumwebaze
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