KASESE– A wave of anxiety has gripped residents and business owners in Railway ward, central division, Kasese Municipality, following a stern notice from the Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) regarding the repossession of its land. The corporation has issued a directive declaring that all illegal occupants must vacate the premises to pave the way for planned activities, a move that has left hundreds fearing for their livelihoods and homes.
For many, this is not merely a matter of moving; it is a battle for security they believed was already settled. Several residents claim to have purchased plots from former URC workers years ago, believing the transactions to be legitimate. Others allege that the land was allocated to their spouses as part of employment benefit packages by the corporation in the past.
Over the years, this land has been transformed from vacant space into a bustling hub of economic and social activity. The area now hosts a variety of enterprises, including manufacturing factories, churches and schools.
The impending evictions have already sent shockwaves through the community, particularly in the education sector. Ngamuhabyaki Paul – Head Teacher of Shine Preparatory School expressed deep concern regarding the impact on their operations on their parents.
As panic sets in, many occupants are pleading for a more humane approach. They are calling on the URC to provide adequate notice and a grace period, arguing that the sudden nature of the announcement feels like an ambush.
However, local authorities are emphasizing the finality of the directive. Muhindi Eliphaz, the Kasese LC V Chairperson, has urged residents to comply with the order to avoid the traumatic destruction of their property. He clarified that the directive originates from the central government, leaving local leadership with little room to halt the process.
The Uganda Railways Corporation has confirmed that it has informed all relevant stakeholders regarding the eviction process, signaling that the implementation of the directive could begin at any moment. As the deadline looms, residents are left in a state of confusion, anxiously seeking solutions before the corporation proceeds with the eviction.
