Issues surrounding the establishment of the Lugazi Industrial Park (LIP) seem to be raising concerns among locals.
Now, residents of Lugazi Municipality are calling on the park’s management to uphold environmental standards, fearing the project could lead to future ecological challenges.
The 100-acre facility, co-funded by the Uganda Development Bank (UDB), is the first of its kind in the region and is set to house over 200 factories.
However, environmentalists say part of the land was previously a wetland, which was cleared for sugarcane cultivation before being repurposed for the industrial project.
Currently, the park’s management is carrying out soil refilling to create a levelled surface for construction. But some locals fear this could lead to flooding in the near future.
“We are most likely to start experiencing unprecedented floods,” said Eriab Musuke, a resident of Lugazi.
He urged the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to clarify its environmental assessment of the area before approving the project.
Lugazi Mayor John-Bosco Aseya acknowledged the economic benefits of the industrial park, describing it as a blessing that would create much-needed job opportunities.
However, he emphasised the need to address any environmental concerns.
“Having such a facility will reduce unemployment and improve security, but environmental issues should not be ignored,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jeremiah Kasirivu, one of the project organisers, maintained that the park’s management is committed to environmental protection.
“We are ready to preserve nature by creating green spaces and avoiding wetland destruction,” he said, adding that the park will also promote solar energy use.
NEMA Remains Silent
Efforts to get a response from NEMA on its assessment of the area have so far been unsuccessful.
However, Julius Lutaaya Kato, the Lugazi Industrial Park project coordinator, said all operations are being conducted legally.
He announced that construction of factories would soon begin promising employment opportunities for the people of Buikwe.
The project has also gained support from the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU).
Francis Kisirinya, the organisation’s Chief Membership Officer, expressed optimism about its role in Uganda’s industrialization agenda.
“One of the biggest challenges investors face is access to serviced industrial land,” Kisirinya noted.
As the project progresses, residents continue to demand transparency, urging authorities to ensure that economic progress does not come at the cost of environmental sustainability.
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