Buliisa Residents Accuse Indian-Linked Company of Irresponsible Stone Blasting

What the report says

Residents in three villages in Biiso Sub-county, Buliisa District, Uganda, are accusing a quarry operator linked to Indian investors of carrying out stone blasting that they say has damaged homes, killed livestock and destroyed crops. According to Nile Post, the complaints center on a quarry in Akimi B Village that was originally established to support the Masindi-Biiso Road project, but later continued operating for commercial stone extraction after the road work was completed in 2023.

The affected residents say blasting has become more intense and less predictable, leaving some people afraid to stay in their houses when explosions occur. They also allege that repeated blasts have caused cracks in buildings, dust-related health problems, miscarriages and other medical complications, and even affected water sources. Community leaders quoted in the report said company representatives have not consistently attended local meetings to address grievances.

The residents say the current operator, Gasham Limited Services, has not maintained the same level of communication they experienced earlier, when the quarry was being used for road construction. They want authorities to step in, improve oversight of blasting, and secure compensation for damaged property and plantations. One village chairperson also alleged that the company has brushed off complaints by saying it has strong connections to government officials.

Buliisa County MP Alan Atugonza said he plans to coordinate with local leaders, the company and residents to seek a solution that balances community concerns with investment activity. Company manager Patel Jagadishi rejected the allegations and said the firm has a process for recording and addressing complaints.