Families living on land belonging to Kilembe mines are on the verge eviction following the court of appeal ruling that confirmed Kilembe Mines Limited as the sole owner of the land in question.
The most affected families are those living in the areas of Tamangalo and Golf course, both in Kasese municipality.
Kasese Municipality Mayor Chance Kahindo has told The Pearl Times that Kilembe Mines Limited has sent a copy of the court ruling to his office as the company takes steps to retain ownership of their land.
Kahindo indicated that the number of affected people and families is yet to be established but estimated there could be about 100 families.
KILEMBE MINES LAND AHEAD OF REVAMP
The mayor further indicated that the ruling suggests only a few options for the affected people: negotiations for possible compensation, eviction, renting or allocation of another piece of land provided by the Kasese District Local Government.
Government is in the process of revamping Kilembe Mines. In October 2023, at least 14 companies had expressed interest in helping the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to revamp the mining firm.
Established in the 1950s, Kilembe Mines became largely inactive in 1982, a period of four decades. At its peak of production in the 1970s, the company produced about 17,000 tonnes of copper.
Government is now seeking to revive the mining firm, with works and processes expected next year, according to officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
TROUBLE FOR THOSE OCCUPYING KASESE RAILWAYS LAND
According to Mayor Kahindo, other residents at the verge of being evicted from their plots of land are those living along railway line land in Kasese Municipality.
Recently, authorities from Uganda Railway Corporation (URC) marked over 200 households in Railway Cell encroaching on their land for eviction as preparations to revamp the Uganda railway take course.
Some of those set to be evicted claim to have purchased the land and are seeking compensation.
Kahindo has warned village chairpersons against legalizing the sale of plots in the disputed areas.
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