Pass land Bill to reduce delay of road projects - Gen Katumba

JINJA.
The Minister of state for works and transport Gen Katumba Wamala has urged Parliament to expedite the passing of the land amendment Bill into law to reduce the delay of road projects.
The Deputy Attorney General Mwesigwa Rukutana mid-last last year tabled in Parliament the Constitution Amendment Bill, 2017, that seeks to amend Article 26 so that the central or a local government can, in the event of disagreement with a land owner, take possession of any private land for development and deposit compensation money with a court pending resolution of the dispute.
The government argues that compulsory acquisition of land is necessary for infrastructure projects because many of such developments have stalled because owners refuse to surrender land for public works, costing the public money and depriving communities of services.
While touring the Musita-Lumino road, Gen Katumba who was accompanied by UNRA officials said the issue of land acquisition is a huge problem that has greatly affected road construction projects.
“Many people have adamantly refused to give us their land for public projects like road construction, this has delayed us a lot and sometimes we are forced to skip like 200km because someone has refused to vacate the land and the contractors come back later. Accept voluntarily and allow work to go ahead,’’ he said
Gen Katumba assured all victims of the Musita-Lumino road that they will be compensated.
He said the issue of land has compelled them to cancel the contract of the New Plan Ltd a consulting company by replacing it with a UNRA official on land committee to handle land related complaints.
Gen Katumba also expressed concern over the increased cases of theft of the construction materials which is also affecting the road project.
“We are being ashamed, this road belongs to us, the Chinese who are constructing it are not going with it, they are constructing the road so we can move very fast, it will boost trade and also save the lives of pregnant mothers because they will reach the hospitals on time but when we steal these items we are like shooting bullets in our legs,’’ he said.