URC to Begin Eviction of Railway Land Encroachers This Monday

The Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) will launch a significant operation on Monday, October 19, to clear illegal occupants from its land. The initial phase of this eviction drive will target the busy Kampala–Mityana, Mubende, and Kamwenge–Kasese railway corridors. This move is part of a broader government initiative to reclaim vast tracts of land crucial for the rehabilitation and expansion of Uganda’s railway network.

URC has issued a stern warning, stating that no encroachers on their property will be spared. The operation is slated to extend later to the Busoga railway line, which serves areas like Kamuli, Luuka, and Jinja.

The decision to proceed with evictions follows directives from the Minister of Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, who urged URC to demolish illegal structures. Concerns over the persistent occupation of railway reserves had been raised by the Cabinet.

Approximately 28,486 cases of encroachment have been identified across various railway corridors, station lands, and other URC properties. Minister Byamukama highlighted that this widespread encroachment is hindering critical railway rehabilitation plans, with the Busoga line experiencing particularly severe pressure on its land.

However, the planned evictions have ignited debate in Parliament regarding the precise boundaries of railway reserves, land ownership issues, and whether affected communities have been adequately consulted. Some legislators have questioned the measurement standards for reserves and the extent of public consultation preceding enforcement.

The matter has been referred to the Parliament’s Committee on Physical Infrastructure for a thorough investigation. The ultimate goal of the reclamation effort is to secure railway corridors for infrastructure upgrades, enhance safety, and prepare for future network expansion.

URC has also cautioned that individuals with disputed land titles occupying railway reserve land may also be impacted by this enforcement operation, underscoring the complexity of the situation.

Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/379303/eviction-of-railway-land-encroachers-begins-on-monday