Mukono's Shs4.5 Billion Landfill Project Faces Delays Amidst Compensation Disputes

Mukono Municipality’s efforts to transform the Katikolo waste disposal site into a modern facility are currently hampered by ongoing disputes over land compensation. The project, aimed at expanding the site to approximately 40 acres and costing around Shs4.5 billion for land acquisition and preparation, has been in progress for two years but remains incomplete.

While municipal officials highlight progress in securing land, citing that 30.8794 out of a targeted 32 acres have been acquired, residents voice significant concerns. Many landowners report still awaiting full compensation, disagree with the valuation of their property, or feel pressured into selling their land. These issues surfaced during a recent inspection of the site by municipal leaders.

Financial records reveal several cases of partial payments and outstanding amounts. For instance, some individuals are owed millions, while others await additional compensation due to complexities like structural re-valuations or the inclusion of assets like dug wells. Furthermore, 31 plots of land, totaling 8.507 acres and valued at an estimated Shs1.103 billion, have yet to be acquired.

Residents are questioning the substantial sums committed and the apparent discrepancies in compensation rates between neighboring plots. Officials attribute these differences to factors such as location, tenure, and existing developments, as assessed by the chief government valuer. However, the lack of publicly released detailed valuation reports fuels mistrust among landowners, particularly those with valuable agricultural land or permanent structures.

Municipal officials explain that delays stem from complex government procedures, including the need for Solicitor General clearance and issues with beneficiaries lacking proper identification or bank accounts. They have also denied allegations of demanding kickbacks for payments, stating that a coordinator was merely assisting with documentation.

Despite these challenges, plans for the facility include a material recovery facility for recyclables and a faecal sludge treatment plant. Mayor Robert Peter Kabanda stated that about 95% of the land is secured, with the remaining five percent under negotiation. However, unresolved compensation claims, estimated at over Shs1.1 billion, pose a significant financial hurdle, raising questions about future funding.

The Katikolo landfill expansion reflects a common dilemma for growing urban areas, where public development projects often clash with the rights and livelihoods of local communities.