Kigezi farmers protest alleged fraud in wetland compensation progress
Farmers in the Kigezi sub-region under the Greater Kigezi Patriotic Farmers Association, have raised concerns over alleged fraud in the compensation process for landowners facing eviction from gazette wetlands.
Pierre Mbabazi Nyetegyereize association chairperson who doubles as deputy speaker Rubanda district unveiled the grievances at a press conference.
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“We have evidence of irregulates in the compensation process. “Mbabazi said.
In June 2022, president Museveni ordered wetland encroachers to vacate and allow restoration. Over 30,000 people in Kigezi face eviction.
In a recent meeting in Kabale, organized by Operation Wealth Creation, the ministry of Water and Environment, and NEMA was criticized for lacking key stakeholders and adequate deliberation time. Despite attendance by MPs, regional LC5 chairpersons’ and other authorities, no specific resolutions were agreed upon.
Mbabazi also questioned the criteria used to select 103 people with land titles from Kigezi and Ngora districts for compensation.
“Lack of transparency and accountability is alarming. “Mbabazi noted.
The association alleges that UGX1billion, released in FY 2021/2022 for sensitization and identification was unaccounted for.
The greater patriotic Farmers association proposes restarting the implantation process, broad consultation with affected stakeholders and transparent sensitization identification and land valuation.
“We demand justice and fairness for our members.” Mbabazi emphasized.
When asked on his take about what happened in Kitizi, Pierre responded that he doesn’t wish to see what happened in Kitizi to happen in Kigezi.
