By KT Reporter
Residents and local leaders in Kabaale Sub-County, Hoima District, are protesting what they describe as poor government service delivery—despite the sub-county hosting some of Uganda’s most strategic oil and gas infrastructure projects.
Kabaale is home to major developments including the near-complete Kabalega International Airport, the Kabalega Industrial Park, and the proposed oil refinery site. However, residents say these multimillion-dollar investments have not translated into improved social services.
Joseph India, an opinion leader in Kabaale trading center, says the growing population—driven by an influx of people seeking jobs—has overwhelmed the under-resourced Kabaale Health Centre III. He is calling on the government to upgrade the facility to a Health Centre IV.
India also decried the poor road network and lack of clean water, noting that residents often share water sources with wild animals.
Juvinal Dramani, LC1 Chairperson for Kayera Village, said locals trek up to 7km to access medical care at Buseruka Health Centre III due to a lack of nearby health facilities. He added that residents suffer from lack of electricity and clean water.
Robert Jungyera, from Mbegu Landing Site, said the community relies solely on Lake Albert for drinking water—a situation he describes as dangerous due to the risk of waterborne diseases. Christine Atuhura, a resident of Nkwaki village, said she walks 8km to fetch water from the nearest borehole in Kijumba village.
Kabaale Sub-County Chairperson Hassan Kugonza acknowledged the challenges, saying the sub-county receives only Shs 6 million annually for road maintenance—an amount he says is grossly inadequate given the size and importance of the area.
Kugonza also appealed for the upgrade of Kabaale Health Centre III to a Health Centre IV to cope with rising demand brought on by oil-related migration.
Godfrey Byaruhanga, the LC5 Councilor for Kabaale, revealed that the sub-county’s local revenue base is too small to finance road repairs or establish new water sources. Despite its strategic importance in Uganda’s oil and gas sector, Kabaale’s residents continue to suffer from poor infrastructure, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to clean water—raising questions about equitable resource distribution in host communities-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
