NTUNGAMO, UGANDA – Tensions have run high in Nyamisha and Kiborogota villages as residents confronted a private firm over stone blasting activities they claim have endangered their lives and property.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The accusations were leveled against Aba Ndimu Clinical Consultants Limited during a high-level harmonisation meeting convened to address growing community concerns.
Residents of Kahunga Ward in Western Division, Ntungamo Municipality, led by their LCIII Chairman, Jacob Binyerere, presented a passionate petition to the office of the Mayor and the Resident District Commissioner (RDC).
The petition urgently calls for intervention, specifically highlighting the plight of community members who have not yet been compensated for damages.
The community representatives reminded officials that during “Multiplex stone blasting” activities in 2024, flying rocks from the nearby quarry wreaked havoc in the area, destroying houses and other properties.
With operations currently being handled by Aba Ndimu Clinical Consultants Limited, residents fear a repeat of the same dangers if safety measures are not strictly enforced.
Bosco Mutambuura, the Site Manager for Aba Ndimu Clinical Consultants Limited, clarified that the quarry is community land, and the company operates by selling the blasted stones to factories and road construction firms.
The site manager conceded the company erred by failing to involve residents before blasting, but noted that affected individuals within a 500-meter radius typically receive UGX 200,000 in compensation.
The harmonization meeting, mediated by the Assistant RDCs for Ntungamo, Owembabazi Pamela Magara and Twakira Daniel Ntoreine, resolved that the nearby Kateera road will be rehabilitated, and the company must strictly adhere to all requirements outlined in its NEMA certificate.
It was resolved that the company prioritizes resident safety by relocating community members to safe zones before any future blasting exercises, followed by the formation of a 12-man Grievance Management Committee that will be headed by the RDC to oversee disputes and ensure compliance.
In a move to broaden accountability, the meeting resolved that the company is obligated to compensate all affected persons if blasting effects extend beyond the standard 500-meter radius.
The Mayor of Ntungamo Municipality, Jacob Kafureeka, and Environment Officer Felix Turyajunwa issued a stern warning to the company against deviating from the agreed resolutions.
Turyajunwa assured the community of his office’s commitment to enforcing safety standards and remaining accessible to all residents with complaints.
The meeting was also graced by the District Internal Security Officer (DISO), Nsimire Esau, and the District Police Commander (DPC), Joshua Mwesigwa, signaling the seriousness with which authorities are treating the matter.
