The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) faces scrutiny from the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and Enterprises (COSASE) for the prolonged delay in compensating project-affected persons. This revelation came to light during a recent session where UNRA officials, including Mr. Samuel Muhoozi, the director of roads and bridges, appeared before the Committee to address queries raised by the Auditor General regarding the previous financial year.
Delays in Compensation
The Auditor General’s report highlighted a significant gap between the land acquired by UNRA and the compensation disbursed to affected individuals. According to the report, UNRA acquired approximately 28,960.87 acres of land from 172,608 persons, amounting to a total cost of Shs3.2 trillion. However, only Shs2.4 trillion had been disbursed for compensation purposes, leaving a substantial portion of affected individuals awaiting remuneration.
Response from UNRA
Mr. Muhoozi attributed the delay in compensation to the Authority’s constrained financial resources. He informed the Committee that accessing adequate funds posed a significant challenge for UNRA, thus resulting in prolonged waiting periods for affected persons. He appealed to the Committee for assistance in addressing this financial shortfall, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to expedite the compensation process.
Committee’s Reaction
Members of COSASE expressed concern over UNRA’s failure to promptly compensate project-affected persons despite the substantial funds allocated for this purpose. They questioned the effectiveness of UNRA’s financial management practices and urged the Authority to explore alternative strategies to expedite compensation disbursement. Additionally, Committee members emphasized the importance of upholding accountability and transparency in all phases of project implementation.
Impact on Affected Persons
The delayed compensation has had adverse consequences on the livelihoods and well-being of the affected individuals. Many of them continue to endure financial hardships and uncertainty due to the prolonged waiting period for compensation. The Committee underscored the urgency of addressing these concerns and ensuring timely redress for those impacted by UNRA’s projects.
The COSASE’s scrutiny of UNRA’s delayed compensation of project-affected persons underscores the importance of accountability and efficiency in public infrastructure projects. As UNRA grapples with financial constraints, it must prioritize the timely disbursal of compensation to mitigate the hardships faced by affected individuals. Collaborative efforts between UNRA and oversight bodies like COSASE are essential to address systemic challenges and uphold the principles of fairness and justice in project implementation.