By Witness Radio team
The hearing of two cases filed by seven Project-Affected Persons (PAPs) of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), who are seeking to halt the execution of a court ruling, has failed to take off.
The PAPs from Lwengo, Kyotera, and Rakai districts in southwestern Uganda had earlier appealed to the Masaka High court against a ruling delivered on October 1, 2024. The ruling had allowed the government to deposit compensation money into court accounts, while also issuing eviction and demolition orders against the affected people to give space for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project. This significant infrastructure development has been a source of controversy and concern for the local communities.
The High court was expected to start the hearing of two applications for interim and mainstay of execution requests on Monday. However, according to Witness Radio sources, the cases did not proceed because both files were missing.
“The cases didn’t take off, unfortunately, because the files were supposed to be handed over by one judge to another, and that didn’t happen. As a result, the new judge who was supposed to hear the cases didn’t have these files. Until the files are found, the hearing cannot proceed,” explained Afiego’s Diana Nabiruma.
This development has left the affected communities deeply worried. For over eight months, they have been waiting for the court to address their case. Most of them depend on their land for survival and had hoped that the judiciary would offer protection.
Ms. Kiiza Nambatya, one of the PAPs, expressed her frustration, describing it as troubling and suspicious that their files could go missing. Her words reflect the deep-seated concerns and anxieties of the affected communities.
“As a woman and mother, I carry the burden of worrying about my family’s survival. Still, I will not give up. I will continue to speak up for my rights and the rights of my community,” said Ms. Kiiza Nambatya, one of the PAPs, with a determination that is both inspiring and heart-wrenching.
Mr. Cosmus Yiga, another PAP, called on the judiciary to fulfill its role of protecting the vulnerable instead of serving the interests of the powerful.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. It is disheartening that the judiciary, which should protect our rights, is instead playing games with vulnerable people’s lives,” expressed Mr. Cosmus Yiga, another PAP, with a tone of disappointment that resonates with the affected communities.
It should be recalled that in August 2024, the Attorney General of Uganda filed a case against 80 people who had refused to vacate their land for the EACOP project. Their resistance was driven by several factors, including inadequate compensation, untitled land, and unresolved land disputes where rightful ownership had not been determined.
Despite these concerns, Masaka High court Judge Lawrence Tweyanze ruled against the PAPs, granting the government permission to deposit compensation into court accounts while also issuing eviction and demolition orders.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, the PAPs appealed the decision, but their efforts are being restrained. The affected want the court to suspend execution orders of eviction, demolition, and compensation, a deposit until the appeal is heard, recognition and protection of their right to due process, and protection from irreparable harm, including homelessness and hunger, that could result from the evictions.
The cases will be fixed for hearing once the file is found.
In the meantime, Project Affected Persons are calling on all citizens to stand in solidarity with them and demand swift action from the judiciary to address this issue.
