The Works and Transport Ministry has stepped in to address escalating tensions between Samcrete Egypt–Engineers and Contractors, the company tarmacking the Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi road, and the affected residents. The 8.4-kilometer road, connecting Kabale town to Lake Bunyonyi—the second-deepest lava-dammed lake in Africa—is part of a government initiative funded by the African Development Bank (ADB) at 112 billion Shillings.
Samcrete is also tarmacking the 13.4-kilometer Kisoro–Mgahinga road, linking Kisoro town to Mgahinga National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas. Both projects are tied to President Museveni’s 2011–2016 pledge to boost tourism in the Kigezi region.
However, since July 2025, locals have protested, claiming the contractor exceeded agreed land limits during bush clearing, allegedly encroaching three extra meters beyond the agreed 0.08 acres in some cases. Many residents who had already been partially compensated expressed frustration at the lack of resolution.
On Saturday, Ministry officials led by Allan Tonny Kimera, Lands Evaluation Officer, Jackie Mwendeze, sociologist, and Alice Mutesi, environmentalist, met with concerned locals. Gild Niwagaba demanded clarity on why the company had encroached on unmarked lands.
Other locals, including David Sunday and Charles Bineguro, stressed that repeated complaints had gone unanswered, calling for assurance that this time their grievances would be addressed.
Agnes Tindiwensi said only her verandah was initially affected, but her entire house was demolished during bush clearing.
Kimera asked for patience, noting the complaints are being addressed. He explained that the additional land encroachment resulted from design changes and acknowledged fault on both the contracting company and the Ministry for affecting lands not officially measured.
***URN***