Residents of Kolo-Buwanyi Village in Goma Sub-county, Mukono District have seized surveying equipment belonging to subcontractors involved in preliminary assessments for the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, demanding clear information on compensation before any further work continues on their land.
The incident occurred last Saturday when survey teams were conducting early-stage assessments along the proposed railway corridor. Residents intercepted the team and confiscated the equipment, accusing project implementers of failing to provide adequate communication on compensation for land and property likely to be affected.
Police from Namanve Police Station later intervened and summoned village leaders, directing them to return the equipment. However, residents refused, insisting that authorities must first address their concerns regarding compensation and the impact of the project on their property.
Tensions escalated when security personnel allegedly attempted to restrict journalists from covering the incident, prompting protests from residents who accused authorities of trying to suppress information about their grievances.
Kolo-Buwanyi Village Chairperson Mathias Mutyaba defended the residents’ actions, saying the equipment would remain in the community’s custody until officials engage directly with those affected.
Residents, led by village Secretary for Defence Hamuza Waguya Musa, said they have waited for years without clear communication on compensation for homes, businesses, and other developments along the proposed railway route.
Mukono Municipal Councillor Deo Kayongo criticized the handling of the project, saying residents had repeatedly raised concerns without receiving satisfactory responses.
A representative of ON-Truck Technical Services Limited, Ouma Mario, said the firm was only contracted to map utility infrastructure and was not responsible for compensation or implementation of the railway project. He appealed for the release of the equipment.
Police led by ASP Geoffrey Tasobya appealed for calm and proposed dialogue to resolve the standoff after efforts to recover the equipment failed.
Maj. Gen. Martin Erado, head of security for the Standard Gauge Railway project, urged residents to remain calm and engage in dialogue, saying government agencies would continue addressing the concerns raised.
The Standard Gauge Railway remains one of Uganda’s flagship infrastructure projects aimed at improving regional transport and trade, but disputes over land acquisition and compensation continue to surface along the proposed corridor.
