The East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline Affected Persons (PAPs) from Lwengo, Kyotera and Rakai districts at Masaka High Court where they were summoned over a compesation case. The case is set for hearing on September 16 before Masaka resident judge, Justice Lawrence Tweyanze. (Credit: Dismus Buregyeya)
Prior. the Government also wants court to ensure vacant possession of 41 people on the said EACOP land and demanded demolition and eviction orders against them, among others.
MASAKA – A total of 41 people affected by the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline Program (EACOP) from Lwengo, Kyotera and Rakai districts have been dragged to court for allegedly shunning sh711m compensation allocation for them to pave way for the project implementation.
Earlier Wednesday (September 11), Masaka High Court was jammed with 41 Project Affected Persons (PAPs) accompanied by their families, relatives friends and others from Non-Government Organisations.
The case was adjourned to September 16, 2024, by High Court Deputy Registrar Justice Roy Karungi after the trial Judge, Justice Lawrence Tweyanze was reportedly on leave.
Court heard that Justice Tweyanze had been recalled from his leave to handle the case on September 16.
The Masaka Senior State Attorney Imelda Adong who represented the Attorney General said the state is ready to proceed with the case on Monday, informing the court that the Government of Uganda had filed a case against 41 landowners whose land was compulsorily acquired for the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline in Lwengo, Kyotera and Rakai districts.
The government wants to be allowed to deposit the said EACOP Project Affected Persons’ (PAPs) compensation in court.
However, the PAPs rejected the said compensation (sh177m), citing low pay rates, absentee landlords and disputes on their respective lands.
Prior. the Government also wants court to ensure vacant possession of 41 people on the said EACOP land and demanded demolition and eviction orders against them, among others.
Counsel Peter Arinaitwe who represents the PAPS said some of them had unresolved objection challenges pending the Administrator General Office since 2018 while others were still grappling with evaluation rates for their land.
He said the rights of the affected persons must be respected especially against evictions and displacement without consent.
Three legal firms including Counsel Jude Mbabali are offering free legal services to the 41 Project Affected Persons.
Source: New Vision.
