MP Nakimwero Raises Alarm Over Compensation Abuse in Infrastructure Projects

Kiboga District Woman Member of Parliament, Christine Kaaya Nakimwero, has tasked relevant government departments and agencies to investigate how private individuals acquire land titles in strategic areas earmarked for major infrastructure development projects.

Contributing to the parliamentary debate on the National Budget Framework Paper for the Financial Year 2026/2027, Nakimwero expressed concern over the exorbitant costs incurred by government in compensating project-affected persons.
She noted that some opportunistic individuals obtain prior information about planned infrastructure projects and strategically acquire land titles in those areas with the aim of benefiting from government compensation.

Nakimwero warned that the practice places a heavy burden on taxpayers and often delays the implementation of key projects, including road construction, electricity transmission lines, and water infrastructure.

She further called for investigations into the relevant ministries and agencies—particularly the Office of the Government Valuer—which she suspects may be colluding with such individuals.

“The issue of compensation is a serious one and it is derailing projects. I have identified the need for special investigations into people who acquire land prior to project activities, especially in swamps,” Nakimwero told Parliament.
“Nobody is supposed to have a land title in a swamp, but the moment a project is about to take place, ownership suddenly emerges. With very recent new titles, I wonder why these are heavily compensated, taking up a lot of project money. In the end, we lose out on electricity and water distribution, and many projects remain unfinished,” she added.