Analyzing the implementation of resettlement action plan for road projects in Uganda: a case of Kampala Institutional Infrastructural Development Project (KIIDP)

Abstract

This study set out to assess the implementation of Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for road projects in Uganda as a public investment that enhances business and development, which enabled an efficient management of resources taking a case of Kampala Institutional Infrastructural Development Project. The study specific research objectives were: to evaluate the factors affecting effective implementation of the resettlement action plan; to analyze the challenges in the implementation of resettlement action plans for road projects in Kampala; to assess the role of resettlement action plans in the implementation of road projects in Kampala. The study is informed by the demand for infrastructure in KCCA due to growth in trade, urbanization and growing expectations for restoration of livelihood which makes implementation of RAP indispensable. The study adopted an exploratory research design with qualitative approach. An interview guide was the major data collection tool, whereby permission to record the interviews was obtained in all cases. The qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyze the data with the assistance of the MAXQDA software version NO10. The major findings show that the factors affecting effective implementation of RAP were; sensitization, availability of funding, marking partnerships, timely engagement of stakeholders and non-committal to co-funding. The challenges that hinder the implementation of RAP include; Project Affected Persons usually unhappy with the compensation disclosures, political interference, time wastage in grievance redress mechanisms and PAP family matters/ conflicts. Furthermore, findings show that the roles of RAP in implementation of projects include; facilitation of voluntary resettlement, paves way for implementation, it designs a legal framework, contributes to resettlement and relocation, enables compensation and livelihood restoration enhancement and also participates in monitoring & evaluation. The study recommends that RAP should sensitize project affected community, forge partnerships with stakeholders, avail resources, implementation within the legal framework, following laws and giving adequate compensation/ attention to all life dimensions to restore livelihood of people affected with the project after being resettled.