Members of Parliament have rejected government’s move to destroy Uhuru falls by constructing a Hydro-Power dam on it.
Uhuru falls is adjacent to the Murchison Falls National Park.
The Minister of State for Energy, Eng Simon D’Ujanga Thursday tabled a statement before Parliament, saying following public outcry, Government had suspended plans of constructing a dam at Uhuru falls in order to a make scientifically informed decision since Uhuru and Murchison Falls are adjacent to each other so as to determine the impact this project would have on environment, ecology and tourism.
Ephraim Kamuntu, Minister of Tourism said that the Uhuru falls where the feasibility study will be undertaken are seasonal falls and no decision should be taken without a scientific study .
However, a number of lawmakers rejected government’s explanation, arguing that the project is being pushed by investors with ill intention and the best option is for Government to abandon the plan because it is set to destroy the area heritage.
James Baba (Koboko County) wondered why Government was hell-bent on constructing the hydro-dam yet Ugandans have opposed the project.
“What I know is that Ugandans have already pronounced themselves that there should be no dam there, why conduct the study when we have already made the decision to be there. The two Ministers should abort this futile exercise,” he said.
Michael Timuzigu (Kajara County) questioned the motive behind the project yet Government has informed the nation how Uganda has excess electricity.
“In our national park, the Uhuru Falls are the most cherished. We all know that we attract more tourists every year and it is because of the falls are unique in the whole land,” he said.
He added: “It has been mentioned by the Ministry of Energy that the power we have, at the moment we can’t use, we need more investors to use the power, which means the power is idle. I need to understand, why are we struggling to destroy the resources we have.”
Lilly Adong (Nwoya Woman)said: “An investor with ill intentions to destroy our heritage comes in this country with very good project and our cabinet simply endorses, I believe this project is in bad faith.”
Bunya East MP, James Waira Majegere pointed out that Rippon falls along River Nile in Jinja were killed under the reign of Minister Dújang and the same Minister is now looking for another candidate to destroy.
He added that the destruction of Rippon falls hasn’t brought down the cost of electricity.
After a heated debate, Speaker Rebecca Kadaga referred the matter on the establishment of a Hydro-Power dam at Uhuru Falls in the Murchison Falls National Park to the Committee on Natural resources for further scrutiny and they report back to Parliament.
