Residents Halt SGR Assessment, Seize Survey Equipment in Mukono

Tension remains high in Kolo-Buwanyi Village, Goma Sub-county, Mukono District, after residents seized surveying equipment belonging to subcontractors conducting assessments for the proposed Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, demanding clear information on compensation before allowing any further activities on their land.

The standoff, which has drawn the attention of local leaders, police, and project officials, erupted after resident’s confiscated equipment from survey teams last Saturday.

The teams were reportedly carrying out preliminary assessments linked to the long awaited railway project.

Trouble intensified when officers from Namanve Police Station summoned village committee members and instructed them to return the seized equipment. Residents however stood firm insisting that the equipment would not be released until authorities provide satisfactory answers regarding compensation for land and property that may be affected by the railway corridor.

The situation became more volatile when security personnel attempted to stop journalists from covering the dispute. The move angered residents, who accused authorities of trying to suppress information about their concerns. Residents responded with protests, further escalating tensions in the area.

Kolo-Buwanyi Village Chairperson Mathias Mutyaba defended the residents' actions and vowed that the equipment would remain in the community's custody until officials responsible for the Standard Gauge Railway project engage directly with affected residents.

"We cannot continue allowing surveyors and project officials onto our land when people have not been informed about what will happen to their property," Mutyaba said. "The equipment will only be returned after meaningful discussions and agreements are reached with the community."

He further warned survey teams and project personnel against entering residents' land without prior engagement, saying such actions risk triggering further confrontations.

Residents, led by village Secretary for Defence Hamuza Waguya Musa, expressed frustration over what they described as years of uncertainty surrounding the project. They accused project authorities of failing to provide clear information regarding compensation for homes, businesses, schools, and other developments that could be affected by the railway route.

"We have heard about this railway project for years, but nobody has clearly told us what will happen to our properties or how compensation will be handled," Waguya said. "People have invested heavily in their land, and they deserve answers."

The residents argued that without official communication and guarantees regarding compensation they could not allow further survey activities to continue.

Police officers led by the Officer in Charge of Namanve Police Station, ASP Geoffrey Tasobya, spent hours attempting to calm residents and persuade them to surrender the equipment. However faced with growing resistance and complex grievances from the community, police eventually opted to organize a meeting aimed at addressing the concerns raised by residents.

Officers appealed for calm and urged residents to pursue dialogue rather than confrontation but community members remained resolute in their demands.

The dispute has also attracted criticism from local political leaders. Mukono Municipal Councilor Deo Kayongo expressed disappointment with the manner in which the project has been handled, arguing that affected communities have been left in uncertainty for too long.

According to Kayongo, residents have sought clarification about compensation and project implementation for nearly three years without receiving satisfactory responses from the responsible authorities.

"People have repeatedly asked legitimate questions, but they continue to receive no clear answers," he said. "This has created fear confusion, and frustration among residents who do not know whether they will lose their homes or businesses."

Meanwhile, Ouma Mario, an official from ON-Truck Technical Services Limited, a subcontractor engaged in the survey exercise, sought to distance his company from direct implementation of the Standard Gauge Railway project.

Mario explained that his firm had only been contracted to identify the location of existing utility infrastructure, including electricity lines, water pipelines, telecommunications networks, and other installations that could be affected by future construction works.

"We are not responsible for compensation matters or railway implementation," Mario told residents. "Our role is limited to mapping utility services. We are simply carrying out our assigned duties and earning a living."

He appealed for the immediate return of the equipment, arguing that the survey team had no authority over policy decisions concerning compensation.

However, residents rejected his appeal and maintained their position that the equipment would not be released until their concerns are addressed.

In an effort to calm the situation, Maj. Gen. Martin Erado, the head of security for the Standard Gauge Railway project, called upon residents to remain peaceful and cooperate with authorities.

Erado acknowledged the community's concerns and assured residents that government agencies would continue investigating the issues raised, particularly those related to compensation and project implementation.

"We understand the concerns of the community and we appeal for calm," he said. "The relevant authorities will continue engaging stakeholders to address the root causes of this dispute and ensure that lawful procedures are followed."

The proposed Standard Gauge Railway remains one of Uganda's flagship infrastructure projects aimed at improving transportation and boosting regional trade. However, disputes over land acquisition and compensation have continued to emerge in several areas earmarked for the railway corridor.

As negotiations continue, residents of Kolo-Buwanyi insist they will not release the confiscated equipment until government officials provide concrete assurances regarding the future of their land and property. The planned meeting between residents, police, local leaders, and project representatives is expected to determine the next course of action in resolving the growing dispute.