Perceptions of project-affected persons on compulsory land acquisition for kyaliwajjala kasangati-Matugga road project in Wakiso District,Uganda

Abstract

Development projects such as roads, transmission lines, railways, hospitals, and schools, among others, require land to be acquired for their implementation. Uganda has undertaken several such developments recently and are still ongoing as envisioned in Vision 2040. Such projects have therefore forced the government to acquire private property compulsorily. Considering this situation, the researcher became curious to know people's thoughts about compulsory land acquisition. This study assesses perceptions on compulsory land acquisition for Kyaliwajjala-Kasangati-Matugga Road in the sub-counties of Kira, Nangabo,, and Gombe, Kyadondo County, Wakiso District. The study adopted a mixed-methods cross-sectional design and employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection approaches. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected concurrently to complement each other. This allowed the researcher to generate both numerical and descriptive data. The study population examined included the project-affected persons (PAPs) along the Kyaliwajjala-Kasangati-Matugga Road, local authorities, and the Uganda National Roads Authority. Up to 270 PAPs were interviewed for this study using a structured questionnaire. Findings showed that perceptions were influenced by some complex factors that are social in nature because even after compensation, some families were hesitant to leave the area due to strong bonds and attachment to these areas. It was also learned that participation in the acquisition process during compulsory land acquisition was minimal due to inadequate awareness and sensitization. Therefore, PAPs felt that this created room for exploitation and cheating. It was therefore concluded that perceptions about compulsory land acquisition are majorly flawed and negative and this is because of inadequate sensitization and limited involvement of PAPs