Residents of Kawami Village in Kalamba, Butambala District, have expressed mixed feelings about the ongoing stone quarry project by Kawami Stone Quarry Limited. While the project is expected to boost infrastructure development in the region, locals are concerned about its impact on their community and have called for improved road networks as a priority.
The quarry, which produces stones used for constructing roads in areas surrounding Kampala, has been a source of both hope and frustration for the residents. During a community meeting, locals voiced their grievances, urging the company and government to address the poor condition of roads in their village before expanding quarry operations.
Abraham Katwijuka, a representative from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), assured residents that environmental and social safeguards would be implemented to minimize the project's impact on the community. He emphasized the importance of balancing development with the well-being of locals.
Balwane Makubuya, the Chairperson of Kawami Village, welcomed the development but stressed the need for transparency in the project's implementation. He called for clear communication between the company, government, and residents to ensure that the community benefits from the project.
Other local leaders, including Musa Kajubi and Salim Ssemmindi, the Mayor of Kalamba Town Council, urged residents not to oppose development but to seek ways to benefit from it. They highlighted the potential economic opportunities the quarry could bring to the area, such as job creation and improved infrastructure.
The stone quarry project has sparked a broader conversation about the need for inclusive development that prioritizes the needs of local communities. As the project progresses, residents hope their concerns will be addressed, ensuring that the benefits of development are shared equitably.
