PARLIAMENT- Wakiso District Woman Member of Parliament Hon. Betty Ethel Naluyima has called on government to ensure proper compensation for property owners affected by the expansion of the Dei BioPharma plant in Matugga. Speaking in Parliament, the National Unity Platform legislator stressed that residents living near the facility remain uncompensated and continue to demand justice from the House.
Hon. Naluyima, who represents Wakiso District as Woman MP and previously served as Vice Chairperson of the district local government, highlighted that the affected communities have lived on the land for over 100 years. She noted that residents from villages neighbouring the plant have formally petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, enclosing land titles as proof of ownership.
The lawmaker pointed to Article 26 of the Constitution, which protects the right to property and requires prompt and adequate compensation before any compulsory acquisition. She told the Attorney General that the current process must follow the law, adding that past failures in compensating affected people elsewhere in the country have left communities bitter and distrustful.
According to Hon. Naluyima, the residents are worried about government directives that have halted their activities and building plans around the plant. They fear being displaced without proper support, a situation she said has already occurred in other parts of Uganda. The people, she emphasised, simply want to be fairly catered for and not “just sent away.”
The Dei BioPharma medicines and vaccines plant in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, is undergoing expansion plans that require additional land. Government has indicated it will compensate genuine landowners and bibanja holders, but the Member of Parliament insisted that lessons must be drawn from previous incomplete compensation exercises.
Hon. Naluyima, who also serves as Shadow Minister for Local Government, used the opportunity to urge the House and relevant ministries to act with transparency. She reminded the Attorney General of the constitutional process that must be followed whenever private property is required for public or investment purposes.
The submission forms part of ongoing parliamentary discussions on the rights of communities living near major industrial projects in Wakiso District. Local leaders and residents have expressed concern that without clear timelines and fair valuation, long-standing families risk losing their homes and livelihoods.
Hon. Naluyima concluded by begging the House’s indulgence, calling for urgent attention so that the affected property owners receive the compensation and protection they are entitled to under the law.
