Land disputes disrupt works on Northern Bypass

Kampala. Land disputes arising out of compensation are disrupting the Northern Bypass roadworks, the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) revealed during a site tour last Thursday.
The roads agency said progress has been constrained by absent landlords, disputed compensation valuations, speculators, uncooperative administrators of estates, multiple claimants and family conflicts.
However, UNRA said it was handling the challenges on a case by case basis through amicable settlements or court.
“UNRA’s land acquisition and legal team are working together with courts to sort out land ownership and compensation challenges,” Mr William Matovu, UNRA’s head of land acquisition, said during the tour.
He said by November this year, at least 95 per cent of the land required for the works was accessible by the contractor although only 75 per cent of the Project Affected Persons had been fully compensated.
On Thursday, UNRA’s executive director Allen Kagina led government officials, including Finance minister Matia Kasaija and his Works counterpart, Gen Katumba Wamala, on the tour.
Also on the team was the European Union Head of Delegation Attilio Pacifici, who said there will also be a partnership on a similar project for Kampala-Jinja to connect Uganda and other countries.
The Northern Bypass traverses Kampala and parts of Wakiso District starting from Bweyogerere on Jinja Road in the east of the capital to Busega, west of the city, where it joins the new 21Km Entebbe Expressway that connects to Entebbe airport Road at Mpala in Katabi Town Council.

Half way
Ms Kagina said at least 51 per cent of the works had been completed. Works started in July 2017 and are scheduled to be completed by 2021.
“Much more would have been done but lack of full rights to access site and possession sites have hindered progress,” Ms Kagina said.
Gen Katumba said next month, flyovers will be commissioned to connect from Nakumatt-Nakawa and Clock Tower. The second phase will connect to Kibuye and later to Busega.
Six new interchanges are being created at Sentema, Hoima and Gayaza roads. Others are at Bukoto-Kyebando, Ntinda and Naalya roads.
“There will be segregated facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, improved lighting, signalled junctions, full length central reserves and safety barriers,” UNRA roads resident engineer Jude Kyobe, said.