UGANDA, Jinja | Real Muloodi News | Encroachers occupying land belonging to the Jinja Golf Club, situated on the shores of Lake Victoria and the banks of the River Nile, have been issued a five-month ultimatum to vacate the premises to facilitate further development.
The decision to grant a grace period of five months aims to allow encroachers to harvest their crops and relocate their banana suckers to alternative locations.
Andrew Kasigwa, a trustee member of the club and former Jinja West Member of Parliament, emphasised plans for the club’s expansion, necessitating the clearance of all land under its ownership for proper planning.
Affected individuals primarily include those engaged in digging activities along the River Nile bank and the shores of Lake Victoria, as well as those who have erected unauthorised structures on the club’s land.
Edgar Rujumba Junior, the Jinja Golf Club secretary, highlighted the necessity of utilising the land for productive purposes, noting that Jinja City Council has issued a demand notice for ground rent, the amount of which remains undisclosed.
Emmanuel Esabu, the Environmental Police Officer for Busoga Sub-region, reiterated that cultivation and construction activities on the designated land are illegal and subject to punishment.
He clarified that the area falls under special conservation regulations, prohibiting such activities unless authorised by the issuance of an Environmental Impact Assessment Certificate by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
Despite the grace period provided, some encroachers are demanding compensation before vacating the premises.
However, Esabu emphasised that individuals engaging in illegal activities on the riverbanks and swamps are not eligible for compensation and are liable to face legal consequences.
Jane Ocida, the chairperson of Kyagwe in Old Mboma Cell, Jinja South City Division, affirmed that any activities undertaken on such land must adhere to guidelines set by the relevant authorities.
Madina Kyosubira, whose family has utilised the land since 1987, expressed concerns about the immediate impact on their livelihood, as they rely on the land for food production.
Similarly, Joseph Owori, another affected land user, cited the time needed for his cassava crops to mature, indicating that the five-month period might not suffice for harvesting.
He advocated for an extended timeline to ensure adequate compensation for his agricultural efforts.
The Jinja Golf Club, established in 1912, is undergoing revitalisation efforts to enhance its facilities.
These include the refurbishment of amenities such as a swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, a clubhouse with a snooker room, lockers, washrooms, a bar, and a kitchen, among others.
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