The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Survivors and families that were affected by the Kiteezi landfill slide have raised concerns over the government’s delayed compensation.
At least 292 people are still living in the temporary camp at the Kiteezi Church of Uganda Primary School playground. They have been waiting anxiously for compensation for the past two months.
Racheal Nakibuka, a mother of seven, has been living in the camp for three months, seeking compensation after her three-roomed house was demolished to create evacuation routes.
”My properties were demolished by the tractors, to create a way. I lost all my houses, they only registered us in August, and assessments were made by government valuation people. But up to now, nothing has been given to us. We are here suffering in the camp eating posho daily.” She said.
Nakibuka also says that they will reject the government’s relocation plan to Dundu, insisting they want compensation and will choose their location, not one imposed by authorities.
“We don’t want that plan of relocating us to Dundu, because it is the landfill that found us here, not us. It means we had plans and clear reasons why we bought land near the city. So they should give us money and we get ourselves another land in our chosen place.” She added.
Alex Ssenono, chairperson of the victims and a landlord who lost all his properties, reveals that the government promised compensation within 45 days, but so far, no assistance has been provided.
He also refuted claims that some victims have received compensation.
Zaham Namutebi, whose house falls within the 200-meter buffer zone, said that the lives of the residents are at risk of contracting diseases. She wants the government to expedite compensation.
Kampala State Minister Kabuye Kyoffa Togabye says that the government is awaiting the final evaluation report before kicking off the compensation process.
“The Prime Minister has instructed us to make payments in two phases,” said Kyofa Togabye. “The first payment will be 50%, enabling residents to relocate while awaiting the final evaluation report from our experts, followed by the final payment.”
The landfill disaster claimed more than 30 lives. Many bodies are believed to be still trapped under the waste pile.
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