Impact of Kampala-Entebbe Express road project on community land acquisition

Abstract

The study sought to analyse the impact of the Kampala-Entebbe Express Road project on community land acquisition. The purpose of this research was to assess the repercussions of the land acquisition associated with the construction of the Entebbe Express Highway on the surrounding communities. This study employed mainly the qualitative research methodology design, where primary data was collected through interviews supplemented with secondary sources. Data was collected purposively using an interview guide. Data was coded, analysed and arranged in themes. The study results reveal that there was a disconnect between the project's infrastructural goals and the socio-economic, livelihood-based losses endured by the community, threatening sustainable resettlement. It was also revealed that the land acquisition process exerted considerable social, economic, and administrative repercussions, including displacement, compensation disputes, and changes in land utilisation. The major conclusions from this study are that community land acquisition during the construction of the Entebbe Express Highway had both beneficial and negative effects. The interruption of economic activity and the progressive decline in the value or worth of the cash recompense are a couple of the detrimental effects. The study recommends providing all individuals adversely affected by the compulsory land acquisition process with access to independent and time-sensitive grievance redress mechanisms. It is further recommended that government compensation should be rendered promptly in the event of delays in awarding compensation, as the economic activities of the individuals diminish in terms of returns with each passing day, necessitating their sustenance.