Masindi family, leaders clash over road opening
"God created trees before man," he reasoned, "humans cannot live without trees."
Masindi: The family of Sam Ndolerire, a resident of Bwinamira III village in Budongo Sub County, is at odds with residents, sub-county officials, and Masindi district leadership over the opening of an access road linking Bwinamira and Bulyango villages.
The two villages are separated by the Siiba stream, making it difficult for children from Bwinamira Parish to access Bulyango Primary School.
Recently, when the district leadership launched the road-opening project which includes the construction of a bridge at a cost of UGX 100 million, Ndolerire objected to the district’s decision to route the road through the western side of his land.
He questioned why Olivia Nabukenya, the district environmental officer, was prioritizing trees planted by the district for conservation over his family’s interests.
However, District Chairman Cosmas Byaruhanga defended the decision, arguing that trees are essential for human survival. “God created trees before man,” he reasoned, “humans cannot live without trees.”
Efforts by Byaruhanga to justify the project, citing a pre-existing footpath, were dismissed by Ndolerire’s son, who works as a game ranger with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Joseph Sunday, the district engineer in charge of roads, explained that when the feasibility study was conducted, the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) had not yet upgraded the Masindi-Biiso road to tarmac. Due to the subsequent elevation of the road’s topography, the district was compelled to adjust the proposed route.
Byaruhanga assured the concerned parties that the district leadership, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Masindi, and Ndolerire’s family would resolve the matter amicably at a later date.
Meanwhile, RDC Darius Nandinda informed Byaruhanga that the district engineer and the environmental officer had agreed to open the road on the eastern side of Ndolerire’s land.
‘’This alternative route would have no financial implications and would not disrupt the family’s settlement pattern,’’ he said.
Do you have an advertisement or article you want to publish? Mail us at theugreports@gmail.com or WhatsApp +256757022363.
