Lawyers unveil SARD to obtain justice for people in Buliisa oil rich areas

By Peter Ssebulime

22^nd Jan 2019

Uganda Law Society (ULS) in conjunction with the Canadian Bar Association has introduced an initiative of helping locals in Buliisa district especially those affected with oil extraction, to obtain justice.

The project is called Supporting Inclusive Resource Development (SARD).

During an engagement meeting with media in Kampala, the SARD Chief Executive Office in ULS Joyce Nalunga Birimumaaso says will increase sustainable economic growth for Buliisa district, in particular women and vulnerable groups, affected by extractive industries.

She further explained that women and vulnerable groups have been poorly compensated though ULS have continued to conduct institutional advocacy with key government ministries and companies in mediating the ongoing compensation.

Government acquired land in Kasinyi village, Ngwedo Sub County in Buliisa for oil companies to establish their production facilities.

Last year, about 811 residents of Kasinyi village in the oil rich Buliisa district in Western Uganda, affected by the crude oil Central Processing Facility (CPF), refused to surrender their land until government increases compensation for their property to at least 6 million shillings per acre.