MEDIA FOR CHANGE NETWORK

AG okays disclosure of oil agreements amidst international pressure

Published

11 months ago

August 26, 2024

The oil companies expressed no objection to disclosing the agreements.

The Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has given the Ugandan government a green light to disclose the international oil contracts to the public.

This comes after the oil companies said they have no objections to publicising the oil contracts. Kiwanuka’s advice is likely to be welcomed by civil society and Ugandan citizens who have long called for transparency in the oil and mining sectors. Kiwanuka, in a letter dated July 2, 2024, advised the minister of Finance, Matia Kasaija that he was at liberty to disclose the production sharing agreements (PSAs) if he deemed it appropriate.

In a letter dated July 2, 2024, Kiwanuka advised Finance minister Matia Kasaija that he may disclose the production sharing agreements (PSAs) if he deems it appropriate. This guidance was in response to a letter from Kasaija dated June 1, 2024. However, Kiwanuka’s advice specifically pertains only to contracts with TotalEnergies Uganda and CNOOC Uganda Limited. He cited letters from these companies, dated July 18, 2021, and November 29, 2021, respectively, which confirmed their consent to the disclosure of their PSAs to fulfil the requirements of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) standard 2.4.

“Therefore, we advise that should you deem it appropriate you are at liberty to disclose the PSAs as prescribed by the EITI standard requirement,” reads the letter copied to the minister of Energy and Mineral Development, state minister for Minerals, deputy attorney general.

The letter was also copied to the permanent secretary/secretary to the treasury, ministry of Finance, permanent secretary ministry of Energy, solicitor general and deputy solicitor general. A member of the civil society who had seen the letter however said it was silent concerning the contracts signed with other companies involved in oil exploration in the Albertine area.

Some of those include DGR Energy Turaco Uganda SMC Limited which is a unit of Australia’s DGR Global and state-owned Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) and Nigeria’s Oranto. From Kiwanuka’s advice, it appears that the contracts signed with UNOC and mining contracts will remain a secret.

Uganda has been a member of the EITI since August 2020, committing to contract transparency by publicly disclosing the full text of agreements governing the exploitation of oil, gas, and mineral resources. By joining the EITI, Uganda aimed to enhance transparency, strengthen tax collection, promote public debate, improve the investment climate, and create lasting value from its petroleum and mineral resources.

This week, EITI executive director Mark Robinson visited Uganda to assess the country’s progress in ensuring transparency in the oil, gas, and minerals sectors. Robinson was accompanied by Suneeta Kaimal, president and CEO of the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), which has been instrumental in building the capacity of Ugandan civil society, media, parliamentarians, and government ministries on natural resource governance.

NRGI has supported capacity building of Ugandan civil society, media, parliamentarians, and ministries on natural resources governance, especially in accountability and governance. Robinson and Kaimal on Thursday met the minister of Finance, Matia Kasaijja, and his officers and discussed the progress in ensuring public disclosure of contracts under the extractive sector.

He also met officers from the Attorney General’s office and the key industry players like TotalEnergies and members of the civil society under multi-stakeholder groups (MSGs) hosted at the Uganda EITI secretariat under the ministry of Finance. Robinson told journalists that his team found it so striking that all the stakeholders in Uganda were committed to the EITI process.

”The EITI seemed to have curved out open space in Uganda for genuine, free, and open debate on these complex issues around the extractive industry,” he said.

RObison’s visit to Uganda follows the validation report on Uganda whose results were released in May 2024. The EITI board said Uganda had achieved a moderate score in implementing the 2019 EITI Standard at 78.5 points. The overall score reflects an average of the three component scores on stakeholder engagement, transparency, and outcomes and impact. On the transparency component, Uganda achieved a fairly low score of 67.5 points. Robinson while meeting the minister raised some of these issues.

“We identified some of the improvements that could be made. He was very receptive. For example, how can contracts further be made open to the public? So there is a process to move towards that goal,” he said.

He confirmed that they discussed making public the audited accounts of Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC).

“He was very receptive to that idea. So I was very struck by their receptivity and recognition from the government to respond positively to some of the recommendations,” added Robinson.

Sources who attended the meeting with the minister said he asked his visitors about what Uganda would gain from its participation with EITI. Robinson said the minister’s question was good because it reconfirmed why Uganda signed up to the EITI. The EITI board had reported that there had been little progress on full disclosures of contracts in the oil sector despite Uganda EITI’s (UGEITI) efforts.

The EITI board also noted that beneficial ownership data was not available though there had been reforms put to create a national beneficial ownership registry. Robinson seemed to have had information to the effect that TotalEnergies and CNOOC Uganda had written no objection letters to the disclosure of the PSAs signed with the government of Uganda.

“Uganda has to demonstrate real progress on making the contracts public. That needs to happen not just those two but across the sector,” he said.

Robinson emphasized the need for Uganda to demonstrate real progress in making contracts public across the entire sector, not just with TotalEnergies and CNOOC. He also called for the creation of a public registry of beneficial owners in the oil, gas, and mining sectors and the reconciliation of discrepancies in gold production data.

“The fourth one is to reconcile some of the discrepancies in the mining data, especially gold production,” added Robison.

Asked why they were insistent on gold data, he said, “It is so important in many countries. And it is one of your major minerals in Uganda that has significant and considerable revenue. That is why gold matters so much than other sectors of the mining,” he said.

Gold, one of Uganda’s major minerals, has been a focal point due to its significant revenue potential. A recent UN report highlighted Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi as key transit routes for gold smuggled from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to Dubai. In Uganda, discrepancies have been noted between gold production figures reported by the Bank of Uganda and those declared by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) customs.

David Sserwadda, a senior mining inspector, and a member of the Uganda EITI Multisector Group said there is an effort to ensure that different agencies of the government don’t regulate gold exports. He revealed that there had been a meeting with the customs department on how to align gold export in the sense that when it is not cleared, the customs should not allow the export. Uganda has to close some of those before the next EITI board validation commencing on July 1, 2026.

Source: The Observer

MEDIA FOR CHANGE NETWORK

Rwot Acana, UPDF clash over evictions from govt ranches

Published

2 days ago

July 29, 2025

witnessradio.org

The Acholi Paramount Chief, Rwot David Onen Acana II, has accused the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers of using excessive force during the eviction of his subjects from disputed land in Acholi and Aswa ranches in Angagura Sub-County, Pader District.

Rwot Acana, who visited the area on July 25, accused soldiers involved in the eviction of using unnecessary violence, beating locals and firing gunshots into the air. The eviction began last Monday in the villages of Juba, Gogwiri, Pabit, Aringobot, and Bira. The army aimed to remove about 700 households accused of illegally occupying the ranch land.

At a meeting held at Corner Ranch, Rwot Acana called on the UPDF to halt the ongoing eviction, urging authorities to first remove the Balalo pastoralists off land they occupy as per the Presidential Executive Order II of June 2025.

“Help us get the Balalo out of the region first. That is the priority according to the presidential directive,” he stated. The paramount chief said the security agencies ensured the pastoralists’ cattle were removed from the sub-region as part of enforcing the order. “First, remove the cattle from Acholi, then address land demarcation and acquisition issues. Understand the acquisition process and the parties involved,” he added.

Rwot Acana also accused the Pader Resident District Commissioner (RDC) and the UPDF of acting under “wrong orders fuelled by negative energy,” causing fear among his people. “The UPDF beat my subjects and fired gunshots. This is uncalled for,” he said. Local leaders in Angagura Sub-county reported theft of property, livestock, and foodstuffs during the eviction.

Mr Freddy Stephen Okello, Angagura Sub-County Chairperson and head of the sub-county security committee, alleged that soldiers stole food and chickens from residents. “Bullets were fired in the air, and food and chickens were stolen. This has created fear in the community. We later met with the 5th Infantry Division Commander and Dr Kenneth Omona, State minister for Northern Uganda Rehabilitation, to request a halt to the eviction,” he said.

The affected families reportedly settled on the land in 2011 following the end of hostilities in northern Uganda. Rwot Acana described the eviction as chaotic and harsh: “Beating my subjects, stealing their crops, destroying their homes, and forcing them to sleep outdoors in the cold is cruel. It brings back memories of the two-decade-long LRA war.” He warned that such actions would not be tolerated if repeated.

Rwot Acana interacts with residents who were evicted from ranches in Angagura Sub-county, Pader District on July 25, 2025. PHOTO/JAMES OWICH

The communities appealed to the government to allow them to harvest crops before leaving. However, the UPDF dismissed the allegations of violence as attempts to sabotage their operation.

Capt Edrin Mawanda, the public information officer for 5th Division, told our reporter on Sunday that accusations against the army were false and meant to frustrate efforts to do their lawful duties. He insisted that no soldiers committed any abuses and praised the professionalism of the troops.

“The operation is proceeding smoothly. No one was injured as alleged. Misleading the public is dangerous. We urge politicians and leaders to be patient,” he said.

Capt Mawanda stated that the eviction would continue unless officially ordered to stop.

“Our men are committed to implementing the President’s directives fully. There is a lot of blackmail against the uniformed forces by politicians trying to disrupt our efforts. But no one will derail us. We will only stop if higher authority instructs,” he added. He also noted that while the troops are not well-equipped, they have received adequate briefings and support, including food supplies.

Source: Monitor

MEDIA FOR CHANGE NETWORK

The Court nullifies the Lake Katwe Surface Rights formerly granted to the Chinese-Ugandan Consortium due to a violation of community rights.

Published

2 days ago

July 29, 2025

witnessradio.org

By Witness Radio team.

The High Court of Uganda at Fort Portal has overturned the grant of surface rights over Lake Katwe to Rwenzori Shining Star Limited, a salt mining company affiliated with a Chinese-Ugandan multi-million-dollar venture, Witness Radio has learned.

The Court’s decision is a testament to the power of collective action. It follows a case filed in the High Court of Fort Portal by the Tweraneho Listeners Club and 10 other applicants, representing over 6,000 people from Katwe Kabatoro town council, whose livelihoods depend on Lake Katwe. The applicants bravely challenged the illegal giveaway of Lake Katwe to an investor by the Town Council of Katwe Kabatoro.

The company, Rwenzori Shining Star Limited, is a multimillion-dollar investment in a Chinese-Uganda Consortium. According to the company documents, the company’s board Chairman is Captain Mike Mukula, who serves in one of Uganda’s top political positions.

In September 2020, Rwenzori Shining Star Ltd applied to the Katwe Kabatoro Town Council for surface rights over Lake Katwe to set up a salt mining project.

In less than three months, the town council granted the surface rights to the company without consulting the local miners or project-affected persons, a decision that led to adverse effects, including forced evictions, which altered the lives of many families and their livelihoods.

Under Miscellaneous Cause No. 007 of 2021, the applicants, who included those evicted from their workplaces, among others, claimed that the giveaway was made without consultation, thereby violating their constitutional rights.

In a court proceeding on July 14, 2025, presided over by Hon Justice Vicent Emmy Mugabo, it was made clear that both Katwe Kabatoro Town Council and the local government had no legal authority to grant surface rights.

In addition to not having the authority to grant surface rights, the honorable court also revealed that the actions of the surface rights giveaway violated the rights of the local communities.

“The applicants claim that the 1st respondent’s (Katwe Kabatoro) act of granting lake Katwe surface rights to 2nd Respondent (Rwenzori Shining Star Ltd) without consulting the local people and direct beneficiaries of the lake is inconsistent with and violates their rights.” The Court ruling, which Witness Radio obtained a copy of, reads.

The court’s decision not only nullified the surface rights but also issued a permanent injunction, providing a sense of security to the community. This injunction restrains Rwenzori Shining Star Limited, its agents, and any other persons from interfering with the ongoing activities of community members currently using the lake.

Mr. Simon Amanyire, the Executive Director of Twerwanko Listener’s Club, a Non-Governmental Organization that supports the affected victims, welcomed the significant milestone and the duo’s respect for the court ruling.

“TLC welcomes the decision of the high court and hopes the company will respect court decisions.” The Director wrote to Witness Radio’s team.

MEDIA FOR CHANGE NETWORK

20 witness to testify against ex-land registration commissioner Mugaino

Published

7 days ago

July 24, 2025

witnessradio.org

Mugaino is battling charges of abuse of office and corruption over allegations of irregular cancellation of certificates of title for several pieces of land in Kampala city.

The Inspectorate of Government (IG) says about 20 witnesses are expected to testify against former Commissioner for Land Registration Baker Mugaino.

Mugaino is battling charges of abuse of office and corruption over allegations of irregular cancellation of certificates of title for several pieces of land in Kampala city.

The cancelled titles belong to Tropical Bank, Namayiba Park Hotel and businessman Gerald Akugizibwe.

The titles are for land comprising Kibuga Block 12 plots 658, 659, and 665 in Kisenyi; Kibuga Block 4 plot 152 in Namirembe, and Kyadondo Block 244 plot 2506 in Kisugu, Kampala district.

In a statement released on July 23, 2025, IG says the 20 complaints including Tropical Bank officials have recorded witness statements and are ready to give evidence against Mugaino in court.

The statement was released following an article published in the Independent Magazine titled, “IGG abusing her office”.

The IG said the article contains unfounded allegations against the person of the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Beti Kamya Turwomwe, questioning her decision to interdict, investigate and later prosecute Mugaino.

According to the IG, it is standard procedure for the IGG to issue orders to interdict a public officer if they have cause to believe that the officer might interfere with investigations.

The IG says the authority is derived from Article 230(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act.

The IG states that the matter of Mugaino’s conduct while performing official duty is before court and, therefore, cannot be discussed in the public because it offends the sub judice law.

The IGG over the past four years has interdicted over 150 public officers, including six senior officers in the Office of the Prime Minister and many chief administrative officers.

Complaints

According to the statement, between December 2024 and April 2025, the IGG received 22 complaints against Mugaino alleging cancellation of certificates of title without following prescribed procedures under the law, removal of caveats without giving prescribed notices, double titling, issuing of special certificates of title while original ones exist, leading to multiple titling, cancellation of certificates of titles for disputes that would essentially be handled by courts with the intention of defeating Justice.

IG states that preliminary investigations found merit in the allegations and the IGG decided to launch a full-scale investigation in the office of the commissioner land registration.

Allegations

Prosecution alleges that between April 8 and 20 this year, Mugaino, while employed in the public service as commissioner of land registration, lands ministry in Kampala, abused his authority by arbitrarily performing acts prejudicial to his employer’s interests – the Government of Uganda, Tropical Bank Ltd, Akugizibwe and Namayiba Park Hotel.

He is accused of irregularly cancelling certificates of title his office had issued to Tropical Bank, Akugizibwe, and Namayiba Park Hotel.

The prosecution also alleges that Mugaino neglected his duties as stipulated in Section 88 of the Land Act and his schedule of duties as commissioner land registration, in April this year when handling a complaint about the land in question.

Background

Court documents indicate that on February 28, 2007, Businessman Mousa Lutwama Kizito obtained a credit facility of shillings 400 million from Tropical Bank using collateral constituting land at Kisugu in Kampala.

The documents further state that on August 18, 2007, Lweza Clays Ltd also obtained a credit facility from Tropical Bank using collateral consisting of land comprising Namirembe and Kisugu in Kampala and Lweza in Wakiso district.

Accordingly, Tropical Bank on September 25, 2007 registered the mortgages on the certificate of title.

However, Kizito and Lweza Clays defaulted on their loan repayments, prompting the bank to advertise the mortgaged properties after winning a court case.

Consequently, the bank on October 10, 2022, sold the mortgaged property at Namirembe to Akugizibwe for shillings 415 million. The bank also sold property at Kisenyi to Namayiba Park Hotel for shillings two billion.

The bank wrote to the Registrar High Court requesting the return of the mortgaged certificates of titles and bank guarantee as per the court order issued by Justice Stephen Mubiru.

The bank applied to the Commissioner Land Registration, requesting for special certificates of title upon failure to retrieve the mortgaged copies from the Registrar High Court (Commercial Division).

In a petition dated April 8, 2025, MBS Advocates, acting on behalf of Kizito and Luweza, requested the commissioner land registration to cancel the certificates of title for the land in question and Mugaino allegedly illegally removed court orders and caveats that had been lodged on the certificates of title, without any other orders from court.

Original Source: New Vision