There are fears over how 25,000 community members in more than ten villages in Buyende will cope with new localities after they get displaced by the proposed construction of the Buyende nuclear project at Uganda‘s Kasaato Hill.

Development Diaries reports that while the project is expected to greatly benefit the country, the livelihoods and safety of over 25,000 people could be at risk.

It is understood that the nuclear plant to be constructed at Kasaato Hill will not only provide 2,000 jobs but also address Uganda’s endless power outages.

Uganda’s energy sector faces considerable challenges, including acute power shortages, increased demand, and a lack of new power generation projects.

The country has abundant energy resources, especially hydrological and other renewable resources, yet there is widespread energy poverty throughout the country.

While the government has affirmed that Buyende was chosen due to its central location, low population density, land availability and many water resources, the Buyanja LC3 chairman, David Semale, has expressed concerns as many community members are fishermen and livestock farmers.

Another representative of the community, Ronald Ssekyanzi, raised the issue of compensations being focused only on land and property and not considering the livelihood and disturbance aspects of their displacement.

Development Diaries calls on the Ugandan government to develop a holistic compensation plan that ensures displaced persons are fully compensated for their displacement and loss of livelihoods.

Photo source: Swathi Sridharan