By George Tinka
The construction of a base station commonly known as a mast at Hoima Public Primary School in Public Cell, Hoima East City Division has drawn mixed reactions with a section of Hoima City leaders threatening to demonstrate over the project.
American Tower Corporation (ATC) is undertaking the construction works of the mast.
Bosco Muhanuzi, the Mayor Hoima East Division, says the construction of the mast is being fueled by some leaders in Hoima City, especially the office of the Resident City Commission.
Dema Gabriel the Chairperson NRM Hoima City says they are in the process of writing to National Environmental Management Authority -NEMA and other authorities requesting them to stop the construction of the mast which he says poses a health risk to the locals.
Brain Kaboyo, the Mayor Hoima City says “most people nowadays work with the Internet and it must be very good and fast adding that we can’t fight development which is good for the City and the people”.
In a letter dated June 12, 2023, Godfrey Kabbyanga, the state minister for ICT and national guidance addressed to the Hoima RCC, the minister noted that the mast is safe and directed the RCC to offer ATC Uganda the necessary support to enable them construct the mast.
Minister Kabbyanga noted that ATC Uganda had been awarded a certificate of Approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment certified by NEMA to go ahead with the works.
According to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) which regulates the telecommunication sector, so far, there is no evidence which indicates that base stations are dangerous to the neighboring community.
