As the Karuma Hydro Power Project nears its handover to the Ugandan government, unresolved issues threaten to make justice even harder for those affected. Over 119 families remain without resettlement or adequate compensation, and the community continues to suffer the consequences of this massive development project.
The Karuma Hydro Power Project, meant to bring economic growth and development, has instead left a trail of broken promises. Many families were displaced over a decade ago with little or no compensation. Promises of resettlement remain unfulfilled, and recent blasts during testing have caused further displacement by damaging homes. Ironically, despite being home to the dam, the area still lacks electricity.
A particularly tragic aspect of this situation involves the children fathered by Chinese workers on the project. Many of these children were conceived through non-consensual encounters, leaving their mothers struggling to provide for them. These Chinese fathers have returned to their homeland, abandoning their responsibilities. The project’s Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) allocated funds to support these children, but the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has failed to distribute these funds effectively.
Case Study: Innocent
- Incident: Raped by a Chinese supervisor at the Sino Hydro Power Project site in May 2016.
- Outcome: Gave birth to a baby girl, now 8 years old.
- Current Status: Struggling to raise her daughter with no job opportunities or support.
Innocent’s story is not unique. Many other women share similar fates, with the responsible parties, including the Chinese contractors and the Ugandan authorities, turning a blind eye.
Case Study: Jackie
- Incident: Forced into a sexual affair by a Chinese laborer in 2015.
- Outcome: Became pregnant, and the laborer fled the site.
- Current Status: Quit her job to care for her baby and succumbed to Hepatitis B in March 2023. Her daughter is now raised by her grandfather, who struggles with meager resources.
Case Study: Lydia
- Incident: Became pregnant by her Chinese boss in 2017.
- Current Status: Moved to a village in Gulu, performing hard labor to survive and raising her daughter with great difficulty.
Case Study: Suzan
- Incident: Raped by a drunk Chinese contractor, resulting in pregnancy.
- Current Status: Lives in a village, struggling to raise her baby with little support from her uncle, relying on subsistence farming.
For those seeking justice through the courts, the process has been fraught with delays and frustrations. Some have turned to mediation, but this too has been hindered by the project leaders’ nonattendance of meetings. With the project’s closure imminent, the window for seeking justice is rapidly closing.
Many families have taken their grievances to court, but without adequate legal representation or timely hearings, their efforts have been in vain.
Countries like Kenya and South Africa have implemented more effective resettlement and compensation strategies for large infrastructure projects. For instance, Kenya’s Thiba Dam project ensured that all displaced persons received timely compensation and resettlement options before construction began. Similarly, South Africa’s Lesotho Highlands Water Project included comprehensive community consultations and support programs for affected families.
As the Karuma project transitions to government control, it is crucial to address these unresolved issues:
- Immediate Compensation and Resettlement: The government must expedite the compensation process and ensure that displaced families are resettled promptly.
- Support for Children: Allocate the ESIA funds to support the children fathered by Chinese workers, ensuring they receive the care and education they deserve.
- Legal Aid: Provide legal support to those seeking justice in the courts to ensure their cases are heard and resolved.
- Community Engagement: Engage with the affected communities to understand their needs and develop comprehensive support programs.
The Karuma project’s legacy should not be one of neglect and broken promises. By addressing these issues, the Ugandan government can ensure that the benefits of the project are shared equitably and that the rights of all citizens are respected. Below are key actions to enable all the affected to move forward:
- Resettlement Plan: Immediate implementation of a comprehensive resettlement plan for affected families.
- Legal Support: Provision of legal support and services to help victims navigate the justice system.
- Compensation Fund: Activation of the compensation fund to support the children fathered by Chinese workers.
- Health and Welfare Services: Establishment of accessible health and welfare services for affected women and children.
- Community Organizing: Formation of associations to negotiate on behalf of the affected communities and to advocate for their rights.
Health Equity and Policy Initiative remains committed to advocating for justice and support for the forgotten victims of the Karuma Hydro Power Project and urge others to join them and stand with these victims.
Pictorial:
Health Equity and Policy Initiative (HEAPI) team of dedicated lawyers/advocates, discuss ongoing challenges and legal strategies with PAPs affected by the Karuma Hydro Power Project.