By Kyamanduma Patrick,
A section of residents and local leaders from Kirembe cell in Kasese Municipality today staged a peaceful demonstration, blocking trucks belonging to Gems International Co. Ltd from transporting lava ash from the area.
Mr. Aganatiya Lhuhalha, the local council one vice chairperson and Kato Zunguka, the local council three aspirant for central division on NUP ticket in 2026 general election told our reporter the angry residents blocked the road in protest after Gems International allegedly failed to refill the deep pits created during Lava ash extraction, as previously agreed.
Mr. Zunguka and Aganatiya speaking…
Mzee Zephanus Mbulamasi and Hon. Jeremiah Bwanandeke, among others who had reportedly hired their land to Gems international testified that the company had failed to complete payments for the leased land.
They also accused the company of not allegedly refilling the excavation sites and abandoning to construct community access roads as part of its corporate social responsibility.
In response, Mr. Kiiza Perison, the Operations Manager at Gems International Co. Ltd, said the company plans to resolve all the issues raised within two weeks. Mr. Kiiza speaking….
Perison appealed to the residents to allow trucks to resume operations as the company works on addressing their concerns. END