Hundreds of residents in Mukono District have called on the government to fulfill its promise of compensation after they were forcefully evicted from land surrounding the railway line. Led by Opposition Leader in Parliament (LOP) Joel Ssenyonyi, the affected residents petitioned the government, expressing frustration over the loss of their homes and livelihoods.

Speaking to the press during a visit to the affected community, Ssenyonyi acknowledged the importance of development, particularly the railway project, but insisted that it should not come at the cost of people’s well-being.

“We want development. We want this railway to work. This road here is a major highway that gets congested, and a functional railway system would help. However, development should not oppress the people. These residents were sent off their land without compensation, despite having lived here for years. Government must address this issue,” Ssenyonyi stated.

Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze echoed his sentiments, emphasizing that while the government has the right to acquire land for public projects, the law requires fair and timely compensation.

“The Constitution and the Land Act are clear before any land is taken for a government project, whether for a road, railway, or any other purpose, affected persons must be compensated promptly. That has not happened here,” Nambooze said.

Residents claim they initially complied with authorities when asked to create a buffer zone of 10 meters to facilitate railway expansion. However, they were later forcefully removed, leaving over 2,000 people homeless. Many now sleep on verandas and in makeshift shelters, with no alternative housing provided.

Community leaders said they had exhausted all local avenues in seeking justice and turned to the Leader of the Opposition as a last resort.

“We have knocked on all doors, but no one has helped us. That is why we have come to the Leader of the Opposition, hoping that he can amplify our voices,” one resident said.

Ssenyonyi promised to raise the matter in Parliament and push for a fair resolution, urging the government to honor its commitment to compensating the evicted residents.

The eviction highlights the ongoing tensions between infrastructure development and land rights in Uganda, with calls for a more people-centered approach to national projects.