The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Lwengo, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Despite receiving monetary compensation for properties affected by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) route in Lwengo and Kyotera districts, some affected individuals are expressing regret over the project’s impact on their livelihoods.
Teddy Nakintu, 79, from Nnanywa A village, Ndagwe sub-county in Lwengo district, received compensation of 9.5 million Shillings for her 0.04-hectare land taken for the pipeline corridor. However, the compensation has not adequately restored her livelihood, as her coffee and banana plantation was divided, making it challenging to continue farming.
“During the demarcation process, the surveyors indicated that the project would take away 30 meters from my land, but I cannot comfortably continue to use it, hence the reason I preferred to voluntarily look for another area where I can settle,” she indicates.
Nakintu is still struggling to find an alternative area with the allocated funds. Kasimu Katoogo, another affected person, shares similar sentiments, stating that the pipeline crossing through their compound has caused psychological distress to his elderly mother. Despite receiving compensation of Shillings 8.7 million, most of it went to medical expenses, worsening their livelihood status.
Ismail Bwowe, from Kituntu, Betereemu parish in Kyotera district, feels disappointed with the compensation of Shillings 12 million, as it did not meet his family’s expectations of Shillings 65 million. He rejected the allocated amount, as it was significantly lower than the value of his coffee and banana plantation.
Amina Acola, a legal officer at the African Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO), emphasizes the importance of documenting grievances to ensure project implementers fulfill their obligations. Livelihood restoration is crucial to comply with international standards and protect affected persons’ rights.
According to EACOP company limited, 90 percent of project-affected persons have been compensated, but those with pending concerns are advised to address them through grievances handling committees or seek legal recourse.
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