GLA Quarry Agrees to Compensate Kiwugo Residents After Years of Complaints

What the report says

GLA Quarry management in Mukono District has agreed to start the process of compensating residents of Kiwugo Village after years of complaints about property damage, uncovered pits and other safety and environmental concerns linked to quarry work, according to Nile Post. The move came after meetings involving residents, local leaders and district environmental officials, who sought to identify who may qualify for payment.

The dispute intensified after the death of 12-year-old Jesca Nalujja, who reportedly fell into one of the quarry pits. Residents say they have long warned authorities about damaged homes and unsafe conditions, and they want compensation so they can move to safer land. The quarry is linked to local investor Guster Ntake, through his son Guster Lutaaya, who runs the site.

At the meeting, Mukono District Environment Officer John Damba apologised for the child’s death and said the quarry should compensate affected residents. He rejected claims that his office had taken bribes to ignore the complaints, while also questioning why stone-crushing equipment was operating in a residential area. Nakisunga Sub-county officials said they would help resolve the matter transparently.

Residents also submitted land-related documents ahead of a planned valuation exercise, which is expected to assess the extent of damage and help determine compensation. The case highlights wider concerns about quarry safety, environmental enforcement and accountability in communities living near industrial operations.