UGANDA, Rukungiri | Real Muloodi News | The land conflict between Rukungiri District leadership and the Local Governing Committee of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) over allocated land for the construction of the Rukungiri industrial park is finally over. The friction between the two sides ended when Tycoon Ambrose Kibuuka helped negotiate for the relocation and compensation for a community of disabled persons.
The State Minister for Investments and Privatisation, Hon Evelyn Anite, recently appointed the businessman as the Ambassador of the due to be constructed Rukungiri industrial park.
Where it all Began
Last month, Rukungiri district officials handed over 203 acres to Uganda Investment Authority to establish an industrial park in Kikomo village, Bwambara parish, in Bwambara Sub County.
However, after Minister Evelyn Anite approved the land, a community of PWDs protested and demanded compensation for their land.
The government initially gazetted 40 acres of the allocated land for people with disabilities in the 1960s.
According to Canon David Matsiko, the chairperson of the Local Governing Committee of Persons with Disabilities, the land has been theirs for over 40 years. Yet, the authorities did not consult them before giving the land to UIA.
“No one is against an industrial park because we know its benefits. Our concern is that as the original owners of the land, we should get compensated, and we bless the industrial park to come,” Canon Matsiko said.
Speaking to journalists, Tycoon Kibuuka said he had a meeting with the stakeholders to ease tensions between the district and PWDs so that construction at the park can continue successfully.
In a meeting between district leaders and the PWDs at Riverside Hotel, Mr Kibuuka convinced the PWDs to allow the government to use their land for the good of the district.
“To have this conflict end, it required a meeting between two parties, and I was happy to facilitate. Otherwise, we were risking delays in the park’s construction. So we have agreed to put differences aside.” Kibuuka said.
The Tycoon further explained to the stakeholders how the industrial park would come along with good roads, electricity, piped water and other amenities, which have been scarce in the area. The land value will also increase.
“I will make sure that out of your 40 acres, we allocate one acre to PWDs and whoever puts up a factory on that land pays you monthly rent, which will be much higher than what you have been getting,” Kibuuka said.
Meanwhile, Canon Matsiko asked his colleagues to put the matter to rest and support the development.
Rukungiri industrial park is among the 25 industrial parks approved by the Cabinet in May this year for construction countrywide.
According to Minister Anite, the industrial park will cost approximately USh200 billion.
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