Evictions Spark Tension in Mbale City as USMID Road Construction Begins



by Kenneth wamatoyi

Drama unfolded on Tuesday morning in Mbale's Industrial City Division, specifically in Mukanga, as over 200 people were forcibly evicted. A grader was used to demolish homes to make way for the 10-kilometer Nauyo-Mukanga road construction. Chaos erupted when locals witnessed their homes being destroyed without prior notification.


Residents expressed outrage, sharing their stories with the media. Sarah Mukamba, who lost two houses, emphasized that Mbale City should have informed them beforehand, allowing peaceful relocation instead of forceful demolition.

Sam Wekunya, who lost three lockups, and Suzan Khanakwa, who lost her home, echoed similar sentiments. Wekunya stressed that compensation should have been provided before demolition, while Khanakwa worries about finding shelter for her family.

This incident is not the first time Mbale City has faced controversy over evictions. In 2008, the government gazetted 619 acres of land in Musoto village for development, leaving many families homeless . Additionally, there have been accusations of police and city authorities aiding illegal evictions 

Residents affected by the Mbale city eviction claim that while they welcome development, they cannot be forcefully removed without notification or compensation. They're prepared to take Mbale city to court to seek justice.

However, Kakai Khariate, Deputy Mayor of Mbale city, revealed that USIMD will provide over 5 billion shillings for road construction, solar lighting, and drainage from Mukanga to Mooni and back to the city center. This aims to alleviate traffic congestion on Mbale-Tororo road.


Construction is slated to begin in the 2025/26 financial year, pending presidential approval. Khariate emphasized that Mbale city isn't obligated to compensate individuals living illegally in road reserves.

The clearance is for road design and marking, ahead of actual construction," Khariate explained. "We're disappointed that some people are resisting development instead of embracing it.


This isn't the first time Mbale city has faced controversy over evictions. Past incidents include alleged police aid in illegal evictions ¹ and a businessman's court order to evict over 3,000 residents.




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