Residents of Kolo-Buwanyi Village in Goma Sub-county, Mukono District have seized surveying equipment belonging to subcontractors working on preliminary assessments for the proposed Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), demanding clarity on compensation before any further project activities continue on their land.
The incident occurred on Thursday when survey teams were carrying out early-stage assessments linked to the planned railway corridor.
Residents intercepted the team and confiscated the equipment, accusing project implementers of failing to adequately inform them about compensation arrangements for land and property likely to be affected.
Police from Namanve Police Station later intervened and summoned village leaders, directing them to return the equipment.
However, residents refused, insisting that authorities must first provide clear communication on compensation and the project’s impact on their properties.
Tensions escalated when security personnel reportedly attempted to restrict journalists from covering the standoff, prompting protests from residents who accused authorities of trying to suppress information.
Kolo-Buwanyi Village Chairperson Mathias Mutyaba defended the residents’ actions, saying the equipment would not be released until officials engage the community.
Residents, led by village Secretary for Defence Hamuza Waguya Musa, said they have waited for years without clear information on compensation for homes, businesses, and other developments along the proposed railway route.
Mukono Municipal Councillor Deo Kayongo criticized the handling of the project, saying residents had repeatedly sought clarification without receiving satisfactory responses.
A representative of ON-Truck Technical Services Limited, Ouma Mario, said his company was only contracted to map utility infrastructure and was not involved in compensation or implementation of the railway project. He appealed for the release of the equipment to allow their work to continue.
Police led by ASP Geoffrey Tasobya appealed for calm and proposed a meeting to address the concerns raised, after efforts to retrieve the equipment failed.
Maj. Gen. Martin Erado, head of security for the SGR project, urged residents to remain peaceful and engage in dialogue, saying relevant authorities would continue addressing the issues.
The SGR project remains a key government infrastructure plan, but disputes over land acquisition and compensation continue to emerge in areas along the proposed corridor.
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