Delayed compensation during compulsory land aquisition.
Abstract
Compulsory Land Acquisition in Uganda is challenged with the problem of delayed compensation.
The main objective of this study was to assess the effects of delayed compensation in compulsory
land acquisition to the affected communities in Uganda, with specific objectives being; To study
the process followed during compulsory land acquisition and compensation in Uganda, To assess
the challenges faced during compulsory land acquisition and compensation in Uganda, To
determine the causes of delays in compensation during compulsory land acquisition in Uganda,
To determine the effects of delayed compensation during compulsory land acquisition to the
affected communities in Uganda. A case study of Kampala Jinja Express. Seven (7) processes,
four (4) specific causes to the delay of the Kampala Jinja Express, seven (7) challenges, (9) effects
of delayed compensation to affected communities were identified through comprehensive
literature reviews drawn from land acquisition practices in various countries and primary data.
Data was collected using questionnaire surveys, semi-structured interviews, across the target
respondents regarding the effects of delayed compensation in compulsory land acquisition in
Uganda. Mixed method research design was used, the target population of this study was 190
affected households, 10 land acquisition officers and 10 local leaders totaling to 210 respondents.
The study found out that there is high rate of delayed compensation in compulsory land acquisition
up to five years and more that is caused by factors such as, delay in availing consent letter, change
in design, inadequate finance, long compensation process were found to be the most specific
causes of delayed compensation of Kampala Jinja Expressway, Other causes include; Ownership
disputes, poor implementation of legal frame work and policies, Inability to locate absentee owners
and Disputes and court cases over delay compensation, the study also acknowledged inadequate
finances, poor implementation and adherence to legislation and polices, weak legal frame work,
poor communication and minimal involvement of stakeholders, dissatisfaction caused by
inadequate compensation, land conflict among the affected persons being the major challenges of
compulsory land acquisition in Uganda, the study revealed that disruption of economic activities,
discouragement of development, anxiety, inflation, hardship in transacting with the affected
property, poor social services, domestic violence, insecurity, and corn men were found to be the
effects of delayed compensation to the affected communities, To avoid the challenges and effects,
Ministry of Finance Economic Development should ensure that funds are available before
embarking on the process of compensation, ensure comprehensive planning, clear policy on time
frame and regular communication and dialogue with affected person, proper conduct and
management of the process and good governance which is vital to provide a balance between the
need of the government to acquire land promptly and protecting rights of people whose land is to
be acquired thereby avoiding delayed compensation and its effects in compulsory land acquisition
to the affected communities.