Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has handed over 60 acres of land to Devki Steel Mills Ltd to facilitate iron ore mining in Rubanda District, directing the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development to fast-track compensation for people affected by the project.

Speaking to residents of Mufumba Village in Butare-Katojo Town Council, Nabbanja said the investment would transform the area by creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic activity.

She directed government officials to complete the outstanding compensation process within one week and ordered the immediate payment of the 30 percent disturbance allowance to the affected residents.

Of the 161 people affected by the project, 99 had been compensated by Friday, with the remaining beneficiaries expected to receive their payments after the completion of the outstanding processes.

Nabbanja said the project is in line with President Yoweri Museveni’s call for increased value addition to Uganda’s mineral resources before they are exported.

Devki Steel Mills Executive Chairman, Dr. Narendra Raval, outlined the anticipated benefits of the investment, while local leaders, including Stephen Kasiaba and Col. Emmy Katabazi, welcomed the project.

The investment is expected to contribute to the development of the local economy while supporting Uganda’s efforts to increase domestic mineral processing and value addition.

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