Over Six hundred (600) Project Affected Persons (PAPs) by the planned Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) construction in Jinja City have raised concerns over inconsistencies in the compensation rates. According to the PAPs, despite being revalued in the post-Covid-19 period, significant changes have occurred in the past two years, making it unfair for the SGR to maintain the same compensation rates.
They argue that the compensation being offered for their properties is significantly lower than the current property rates in Jinja City. Hanifa Namuyangu, a resident of Budhumbuli cell in Bugembe ward, Northern division, Jinja city, expressed dissatisfaction with the compensation offered for her property affected by the SGR. She stated that the compensation recommended by the government valuer was insufficient to cover the damages to her property.
Faridah Suleiman, another PAP, criticized the proposed compensation of Shs80,000 for a 30 by 45 plot, considering it unreasonable given the current market rates in Jinja city. She called for a fresh evaluation process to ensure fair compensation.
Alex Ngobi, whose property was valued inadequately, urged Jinja city leaders and the SGR to reconsider the compensation rates, especially for elderly PAPs who are unable to resettle with the meager amounts offered.
Annet Namuwanga recounted her experience of being excluded from the final compensation list despite her property being valued at Shs55 million. She expressed frustration over the uncertainty regarding her fate and called for a review of her land ownership documents by SGR officials.
SGR’s senior communications officer, David Mugabe, stated that while 129 fish pond owners have been compensated, 600 PAPs are still awaiting compensation. He encouraged aggrieved parties to petition the SGR headquarters or attorney general to address their grievances and ensure fairness among the PAPs.
