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Nine (9) years and still counting: Buvuma residents still await compensation for land grabbed by the Oil palm project.

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By Witness Radio Team.

When the oil palm growing project was introduced in the Nairambi sub-county, Buvuma district, in 2015, it was greeted with an abundance of praise, leading many community members to wholeheartedly embrace it.

“We were promised numerous benefits with the project. Our leaders were preached with success stories of how oil palm projects had transformed communities where it had been grown before. In a short period, they urged us not to let the spirits of poverty linger with us, insisting that we must embrace the project in our district to attain wealth.” Residents from Kakyanga shared their sentiments with Witness Radio about the project.

The pattern observed in many other countries where oil palm tree growers used tricks to grab people’s land is replicated in the Buvuma district. Private companies and government officials promised communities new schools, good roads, functional health centers, and helping needy families, etc. as a persuasion tool to win their hearts on top of fair and adequate compensation pledges.

9 years later, individual families realized that they were deceived into signing documents to surrender their land to grow oil palm trees. Agreements were written in English (not translated to their dialect), and signed copies were hidden from residents.

“We consented to the government’s proposal to utilize our land for the project, lured by the promises of substantial benefits. The survey of the project land promptly commenced, leading to the expropriation of our property. Despite the passage of several years, the pledged benefits from the project remain unfulfilled,” residents interviewed by Witness Radio narrated their concerns.

But, the on-the-ground realities are diverse and the project has been labeled as a curse by the Project Affected Persons (PAPs). Unfortunately, it has resulted in tragic consequences, including loss of life, homelessness, increased poverty, and heightened hunger among communities that thrived well before the project commenced.

According to the residents, their land measuring over 388 hectares in Kakyanga, Kiziiru, Bukiindi, and Bukalabati villages, is occupied by oil palm trees owned by the National Oil Palm Project since 2019.

Nakato Khadija, a 45-year-old, now finds herself harvesting spear grass to make a living. “Whenever I reflect on the impact this project has had on me and my family, a sense of despair sets in. It’s disheartening that someone who once owned 19 acres of land now possesses nothing in life.” She revealed this to the Witness Radio research team.

By 5 pm evening, on Friday,19th 2024 when Witness Radio interviewed her, the sole caretaker of a family of 15 was still harvesting spear grass with an old sickle in a garden that is 12 kilometers away from where she rents in Tojjo village.

“This is the only job I can do now, it is where I get what to feed the family. Every bunch of spear grass [locally called enjole] costs 500 Ugx shillings (about 0.13 United States Dollars). So, you have to cut as many as you can to get some good money. Imagine if all the bushes are done, how shall we survive.” Nakato questioned?

Nakato is not alone, she is one of the more than 600 people whose land was taken for Oil palm growing from 4 villages in Buwanga parish, Nairambi Sub-county in Buvuma district without compensation or resettlement.

According to residents who shared their experiences with Witness Radio, they were deceived into initially handing over their land to the investor, with the promise of receiving compensation later. However, to their dismay, years have passed, and they are still waiting in vain for the promised compensation

“We haven’t received compensation for our land that was taken 9 years ago, and a significant number of people are enduring immense suffering. They relinquished their land for the oil palm project and are now thrust into overwhelming poverty,” another resident emphasized.

“We were instructed to surrender our land to the investor with the promise that the project would lead to the development of our community and create employment opportunities. Our leaders, along with Epayi Gerald, who facilitated the land acquisition on behalf of the investor, convinced us to part with our land before receiving compensation.” Residents further highlighted.

In 2017, representatives from the government and the National Oil Palm Project (NOPP) conducted a land survey to assess and value their properties for compensation. Around 2019, they (government and NOPP) returned with disclosure forms that indicated amounts below the community’s expectations. Despite the inaccurate valuation of their land and property, the promised compensation, according to the affected residents, remains unpaid.

Mr. Kyeswa Alex, another resident grappling with the impact of the project, disclosed that the community was barred from utilizing their land in 2018, intensifying hunger in their area since many of them were farmers, who used their land for agricultural production.

Community members report that eight individuals have lost their lives due to lack of food, compelling many residents to turn to illegal fishing as a desperate means of survival.

Mrs. Nakato revealed to Witness Radio that two of her family members including her husband and son were arrested, by the army, all accused of illegal fishing. She attributed all this chaos to the arrival of the Buvuma oil palm project, which disrupted their lives. Currently, she is renting in Tojjo village, grappling with the challenges of her daily life.

“To secure a living for our family, my husband had turned to fishing. However, he was apprehended by the army three years ago, and accused of illegal fishing. Subsequently, our son, who stepped in to shoulder the responsibilities, was also arrested six months ago on the same charge of illegal fishing,” a teary Nakato revealed.

One of the Buvuma Counsellors, affirms that residents have been waiting for the government’s compensation for over 9 years but in vain.

“People are facing dire circumstances, with some even losing their lives. The lack of available land for cultivation has left many without enough food to eat. The dreams of young girls and boys are being shattered as their parents struggle to afford school fees. Meanwhile, the prices of land are on the rise, and we fear that the government may compensate based on outdated valuations from four years ago. It is essential that they receive fair compensation because the project was intended to benefit them, not push them into poverty,” the leader emphasized.

He added, “We have pleaded with the government on numerous occasions to compensate our people, but they keep assuring us that payment will happen soon. However, this promised time never arrives, and people continue to suffer in anguish.”

The Buvuma oil palm project is part of the five oil palm hubs set up by the National oil palm project. The others are, Kalangala; Mayuge (Mayuge, Bugiri, and Namayingo); Greater Masaka (Kyotera, Kalungu, and Masaka); and Greater Mukono (Mukono and Buikwe.

In 2018, the Government of Uganda (GoU) received a loan from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to finance a ten-year National Oil Palm Project (NOPP). The project with a total financing of US$ 216.2 million is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) as the Lead Project Agency, in partnership with other agencies, the private sector, and farmer Organizations.

Oil palm Buvuma Limited is mandated to develop seedlings and ensure production, while BIDCO takes center in refining, farmer associations are key partners in the Farmer organization, and MAAIF is key in monitoring and scaling the project as well as ensuring there is land acquisition.

But Mr. Sserunjoji William, the district’s Senior Assistant Chief Administrative Officer (Deputy CAO), who also acts as the National oil palm project focal person, told Witness Radio that the government is in the process of finalizing the valuation assessments to kickstart the compensation.

“Indeed, we have not compensated the community members, and I acknowledge the concerns raised. However, the government requires time to assess land ownership meticulously to ensure accurate compensation for the rightful individuals. We are currently in the process of conducting these assessments, and soon, this year the community members will receive their compensation.” Mr. Sserunjoji added.

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Uganda’s top Lands Ministry official has been arrested and charged with Corruption and Abuse of Office, a significant event that will have far-reaching implications for land governance in the country.

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By Witness Radio team.

Kampala, Uganda – The commissioner of Land Registration from Uganda’s Ministry of Lands Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Baker Mugaino, has been arrested and charged before the Anti-Corruption Court, Witness Radio has learned.

Mugaino was arrested by officers from the Office of the Inspectorate of Government (IG) on Wednesday, June 4th, and arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court, where he was charged with corruption and abuse of office. He pleaded not guilty before Chief Magistrate Rachael Nakyaze.

This development confirms findings from numerous reports and investigations by Witness Radio, a leading watchdog for land and environmental rights in Uganda. Witness Radio, through its extensive research and investigative work, has been at the forefront of uncovering systemic corruption and the misuse of authority, particularly within Uganda’s land administration institutions, which continue to fuel land-related injustices, especially against vulnerable and impoverished communities.

The arrest comes at a critical time when the country is experiencing a surge in land grabs, many of which are tied to fraudulent land dealings, title cancellations, double titling, and land transfers facilitated by compromised officials. This is an urgent situation that demands immediate attention and action.

In one of its reports released in 2024, focusing on forced evictions and emerging trends in Uganda, Witness Radio called on the Government of Uganda to address rampant corruption and abuse of power by those in authority, particularly in land registries, the Uganda Police Force, and the army combined with favoritism towards the wealthy at the expense of the poor. This call for government accountability is crucial to ensure transparency and fairness in land administration.

According to the prosecution, Mugaino, in his role as the commissioner of land registration at the Ministry of Lands, unlawfully canceled land titles on April 8 and 20, 2024, which had previously been issued to Tropical Bank Ltd, Akugizibwe Gerald Mugera, and Namayiba Park Hotel. This action, if proven, could have severe financial and social implications for these entities, potentially leading to significant losses and disruptions.

In addition, Mugaino failed to perform his duties as provided for in Section 85 of the Land Act, Cap 236, and his duties as Commissioner of Land Registration.

The center of contention arises from the land located at Kibuga Block 12, Plots 658, 659, and 665 in Kisenyi; Kibuga Block 4, Plot 152 in Namirembe; and Kyadondo Block 244, Plot 2506, in Uganda’s capital Kampala. These are prime locations that have been subject to numerous land disputes, making Mugaino’s actions particularly significant.

Under Section 87 of the Penal Code Cap 120, Mugaino will face imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years if convicted and dismissed from public service.

Witness Radio commends the government for taking action against one of its own, recognizing it as a necessary and hopeful step toward addressing the root causes of land evictions and fraudulent land dealings.

Speaking in response to the recent arrest of the Commissioner for Land Registration, Witness Radio’s Team leader, Jeff Wokulira Ssebaggala, emphasized that most land grabs, illegal evictions, and fraudulent land dealings are orchestrated from within government offices by individuals entrusted with public authority.

“It is time for the government to prosecute its own, those whose continued abuse and misuse of public office have directly fueled widespread land injustices.” Mr. Ssebaggala added.

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Environmentalists raise red flags over plan to expand oil palm fields in Kalangala

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President Museveni inspects an oil palm plantation owned by Mr Deogratious Ssesanga, a model farmer in Kalangala District on May 26, 2023. PHOTO/PPU

Environmentalists have raised fresh concerns over the ongoing expansion of oil palm fields in other parts of Kalangala District, warning that it will degrade the ecosystem in the area.

The expansion follows a 2023 directive by President Museveni, allowing oil palm cultivation beyond Kalangala’s main island of Buggala. The initiative targets over 700 acres on Serinya Island, 600 acres on Lulamba, and 1,500 acres on Bukasa Island. Additional land on Bugaba, Bufumira, Buyovu, and Funve islands is also being earmarked for oil palm cultivation.

Environmentalists say this move contradicts earlier safeguards aimed at preserving the ecological integrity of other islands in Kalangala.
The district comprises 84 islands but only 64 are inhabited.
Mr Joseph Byaruhanga, the Kalangala District environmental officer, said the original Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) recommended limiting oil palm to Buggala to protect the natural forests and promote food crop diversity elsewhere.

“The intent was to preserve the natural forests on other islands and maintain food crop cultivation,” Byaruhanga explained in an interview on June 3.
Oil palm cultivation in Kalangala began in 2006, primarily on mailo land. Currently, over 12,000 hectares are under cultivation, including land managed by smallholder farmers and Oil Palm Uganda Limited (OPUL).

Records at the Kalangala District Environment Office indicate that forest cover has plummeted from 57 per cent in 1954 to just 22 per cent currently. The primary drivers of deforestation include rice farming (20 per cent), oil palm growing (18 per cent), and a combination of timber harvesting, settlement, and charcoal burning (16 per cent).
“The economic benefits are pushing residents to clear more land for oil palm, but this has long-term consequences—sedimentation, pollution, and even increased lake accidents and windstorms due to changing weather patterns,” Byaruhanga warned.

 “Kalangala is surrounded by shallow waters. Without vegetation to anchor the soil, siltation could gradually fill the lake. If oil palm must expand, then we need a parallel forest restoration programme.” he added.
Mr David Kureeba, a senior programme officer Forests , Biodiversity and Climate Change at National Association of Professional Environmentalists (Nape) cautioned that unregulated oil palm expansion is a looming environmental disaster in the island district . “Although oil palm is a tree-like crop, it does not replicate the ecological functions of natural forests,” he explained.
“Oil palm trees may live for 25 years, but they are no match for indigenous forests. Natural forests are biodiversity hubs with wide canopies, climbing plants, and complex ecosystems,” he added.

Mr Kureeba also noted that forest cover clearance releases greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide, exacerbating global warming. “Methane alone contributes to nearly a quarter of global climate change impacts. Destroying forests releases these gases into the atmosphere,” he said.

“Forests also regulate climate through evapotranspiration, contributing to cloud formation and rainfall. The morning dew and fresh air we enjoy come from forests. Without them, even moisture exchange through leaf stomata disappears,” he further explained.

Mr Frank Muramuzi, NAPE Executive Director, emphasised Kalangala’s vulnerability due to its island geography.
“Clearing forests removes natural windbreaks, exposing the area to strong winds and dangerous weather patterns like tornadoes,” he said.
“Oil palm doesn’t absorb as much carbon dioxide or release as much oxygen as broadleaf trees. Replacing forests with oil palm only worsens the problem,” he added.

Mr Muramuzi also criticised Uganda’s EIA process. “Developers often conduct their own assessments, which tend to downplay environmental risks in favour of economic benefits,” he said.
Despite these concerns, project proponents insist the expansion is being handled responsibly.
Mr Boaz Zaake, an agronomist with Ssese Oil Palm Growers Cooperative Society Limited ( SOPAGCO), said farmers are using cover crops and maintaining buffer zones to prevent erosion and water pollution.

He also argued that most of the targeted land for new oil palm fields was previously abandoned due to tsetse fly infestations and not part of any protected forests.
“All national forests have been preserved. Oil palm trees do produce oxygen just like other trees,” he said.
Mr Muramuzi, however, dismissed this claim, arguing that oil palm trees contribute little to climate regulation.
“Oil palm isn’t a real tree in ecological terms. It has a small leaf surface and limited capacity for carbon capture. Unlike broadleaf indigenous trees, it offers minimal environmental benefits,” he said.

Kalangala Resident District Commissioner, Fred Badda, said an Environmental Impact Assessment will be conducted before any new expansion of oil palm fields is done.
“We are currently assessing the land’s availability and historical use—whether it was forested or not—before proceeding with the EIA,” he said.
At least 11,800 hectares of oil palm trees have so far been planted on Kalangala’s main Island of Buggala in the past two decades, and recently, the project started expanding to other islands of Bunyama, Bukasa and  Bubembe.

Source: Monitor

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Bridging the access to justice gap: Witness Radio trains paralegals ahead of Uganda’s general election.

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By Witness Radio team.

Kiryandongo, Uganda—Communities across Uganda are currently in the midst of a pressing and severe crisis due to the impacts of land-based investments. These include forced evictions, lack of consultation, and concealed project information. These injustices persist due to a widespread lack of legal awareness and limited access to justice among affected communities.

As Uganda enters the general election period, more farming communities’ land will continue to be forcibly taken from them by multinationals and individual investors, and the number of community land rights and environmental defenders will likely increase. This is because citizen’s liberty is at stake during electoral periods and all justice institutions quite often prioritize electoral justice during this period. Besides, perpetrators of forceful land evictions may use merits of electoral violence to criminalize land and environmental rights defenders in order to silence their activism.  Community land rights and environmental defenders work to protect the rights of communities to their land and natural resources. Witness Radio has documented and provided legal representation to dozens of them whose work has been criminalized by wealthy individuals and multinationals.

“We are often evicted from our land without prior consultation, compensation, or meaningful resettlement,” said Benon Beryaija, a community representative from Kiryandongo district. “The evictors tell us they have ultimate power over our land and that we have no right to resist. These evictions happen without following the law.”

Beryaija is among the thousands of people in Kiryandongo whose land was grabbed by a group of multinationals without compensation or resettlement. According to Witness Radio, Agilis Partners Limited is among the multinational companies alongside Kiryandongo Sugar Limited and Great Seasons SMC Limited that have forcibly displaced over 35,000 people to pave the way for large-scale agricultural operations since 2017.

“But all this violence continues because we are ignorant about the law,” Beryaija added. “We don’t know what to do, what to ask for, or how to demand accountability. The companies use this gap to take advantage.”

To address this critical gap in legal knowledge, Witness Radio Uganda, in collaboration with the European Union, Dan Church Aid (DCA), and the National Coalition for Human Rights Defenders in Uganda (NCHRD-U), conducted the first-ever paralegal training for selected community activists against irresponsible Land-Based Investments (LBIs) and Land and Environmental Defenders (LEDs) in the Midwestern Subregion of Uganda. This initiative aims to equip grassroots defenders with basic legal tools to resist human rights violations and abuses as well as land injustices and environmental destruction and to advocate for their communities, instilling a sense of empowerment and hope.

“Community defenders are at the forefront of the fight for land rights and environmental justice and should provide that first-hand legal support, but they often lack the tools to engage with legal systems or resolve disputes effectively. We are currently emphasizing the importance of equipping communities with legal knowledge on land and environmental rights, a clear understanding of what to do when a defender is arbitrarily arrested and detained or disappears, what to do when an investor comes to communities’ land, how to effectively to document human rights violations/abuse, and practical ways to speak to power and hold perpetrators to account for their deeds,” said Mrs. Bulyerali Joan, Witness Radio’s Head of Community Empowerment.

The three-day training, held last week from May 19th to 21st in Uganda’s mid-western region, brought together 20 participants from eviction-prone districts, including Kiryandongo, Hoima, Masindi, Kibale, Kagadi, and Buliisa. This training, which covered key topics, was a significant step in the fight against land evictions, as highlighted in a 2024 Witness Radio report on land evictions. The report, based on extensive research and interviews with affected communities, revealed the alarming rate of land evictions and the urgent need for legal empowerment among these communities.

The training covered key topics, including understanding the criminal justice system and how it operates, how to represent others and oneself in interactions with the police or in court, understanding land and environmental rights, documenting violations, legal processes for seeking redress, community mediation techniques, and how to demand accountability from perpetrators.

“Our goal is to empower them with the legal knowledge necessary to act as first responders in their communities, especially during this upcoming general election, to stop arbitrary arrests and detention, empower communities to push back illegal land evictions, and guide others even without the immediate presence of lawyers or our organization.” Ms. Buryelari added, underlining the crucial role of the paralegals in the upcoming elections.

Oyungi Jovia, one of the Land and Environmental Defenders (LEDs) who participated in the training, described it as impactful and an eye-opener, particularly in addressing pressing community concerns and understanding their role in mitigating harm. The training has not only equipped her with the necessary legal knowledge but also boosted her confidence in supporting those who seek her help.

“We didn’t know the legal processes to follow. Now we know where to start, what documents are required, and how to collect and present evidence in land-related cases,” she shared. “I have learned how to guide community members in legal matters, and now more confident in my ability to support those who come to me for help.”

Before the training, Jovia admitted that she and others often struggled to respond to community concerns due to their limited understanding of the law. “People would come to us for advice, but we barely knew what to tell them. This training has changed everything.” She added.

As land-based conflicts continue to rise in Uganda, particularly in regions targeted by large-scale agribusiness projects, Witness Radio’s paralegal initiative represents a significant step toward community-led access to justice and legal empowerment.

“We are building a network of informed grassroots leaders,” Mrs. Bulyerali emphasized, “who can defend their peers, community land rights, document violations, and help others seek justice, even in the absence of Witness Radio.”

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