Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has handed over 60 acres to DEVKI Steel Mills Limited for iron ore mining in Rubanda District, while directing officials to review compensation for affected residents.
Nabbanja also ordered immediate payment of the 30 per cent disturbance allowance. By Friday, 99 of the 161 people affected by the project had received compensation.
Addressing residents of Mufumba Village in Butare-Katojo Town Council, she said the investment would create economic opportunities and spur development in the area.
She said President Museveni had directed her to support investors seeking to develop Rubanda’s mineral resources and add value to them.
The project, she added, supports the President’s push for Uganda to process minerals and other raw materials before exporting them.
Nabbanja directed the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development to review the compensation process.
DEVKI Group executive chairman Dr Narendra Raval outlined the investment’s expected benefits for Rubanda and Uganda’s economy.
Rubanda District chairperson Stephen Kasiaba and senior presidential adviser on security and intelligence Col Emmy Katabazi welcomed the project. They said residents supported the investment.
