MEDIA FOR CHANGE NETWORK

Tension as Project-Affected Persons demand to meet Uganda’s President over Oil Palm growing on their grabbed land.

Published

7 months ago

December 15, 2025

Entebbe, Uganda: Over 250 families affected by the government’s oil palm project express deep frustration as ongoing issues highlight their sense of neglect and exclusion from the compensation process. Residents from Nairambi, Busamizi, Buvuma Town Council, and Buwooya Sub-counties are camping at the Entebbe Children’s Centre, demanding urgent attention from authorities, including a face-to-face meeting with President Yoweri Museveni.

The residents accuse government ministries of sidelining them despite a presidential directive ordering compensation for all affected households.

“We don’t know who is being compensated,” said Mr Katuntu David, chairman of the affected residents. Mr Katuntu led hundreds of people to seek a meeting with the President.

The affected households are part of the National Oil Palm Project (NOPP), a 10-year initiative to expand oil palm cultivation across Uganda. The project is implemented by the Government of Uganda (GoU), led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), with funding from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Private partners, including Bidco and Equity Bank’s, collaborate with farmer organisations to develop the sector.

Community members insist they have never received official communication on who will receive compensation, which underscores their confusion and sense of being left in the dark. Attempts to obtain the beneficiary lists from MAAIF and the Ministry of Lands have reportedly been unsuccessful, deepening their uncertainty and frustration.

“We don’t know which people on the list to be compensated. The President said we should be compensated, but we have not been contacted. Only two of us were claimed to have been paid, and even then, one person did not find the money in their account. The bank said it bounced back,” added Mr Katuntu.

Residents say the Ministry of Agriculture has refused to release compensation lists or schedules, often asking them to “give the ministry time.” At the same time, some officials claim to be unaware of any presidential directive. When contacted, the Ministry’s spokesperson, Mrs Connie Achayo, did not respond.

During a June 18th, 2025, Parish Development Model monitoring tour in Buvuma District, President Museveni was briefed by then Assistant Resident District Commissioner Patrick Mubiru about the community’s displacement, crop destruction, and land loss linked to the oil palm project. The President, after the briefing, directed that all affected households be compensated and allocated 28 billion shillings for this purpose, instructing that at least 14 billion shillings be released immediately to start payments, highlighting the government’s commitment.

Six months later, residents say the directive has yet to be implemented.

Six months later, residents say the President’s directive has yet to be implemented, leaving many in hardship and distress. “The President toured here, and he said he would help. But nothing has happened since because what he ordered was never implemented. People are suffering,” said Mr Waiswa Dan, another affected resident, emphasizing their ongoing hardship and need for action.

But earlier this month, many thought their questions had been answered when the State Minister of Agriculture, Mr Fred Kyakulaga, revealed that the government was set to compensate the affected people.

In the communication, MAAIF announced that the government had secured 24 billion shillings to compensate affected residents in Buvuma and Sango Bay in Kyotera District. According to the announcement, 14 billion shillings would go to Buvuma, while 10 billion shillings would compensate Sango Bay residents.

“Following a directive by H.E. the President, MAAIF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development (MoLHUD), undertook a verification exercise to identify and verify Project Affected Persons (PAPs) in Buvuma and Sango Bay. Their land was valued using the Government Valuer, with the knowledge and cooperation of the affected persons. An amount of 52 billion shillings was calculated as required for compensation,” the Ministry’s brief revealed. Providing more details on these procedures can reassure stakeholders about fairness and transparency.

It added, “Out of the required 52 billion, MAAIF has received 24 billion, of which 14 billion has been allocated to Buvuma and 10 billion to Sango Bay. Based on government valuers’ reports, full payments have been made to 301 PAPs in five villages: Bubembe, Bwaka, Buwanga, Mbekete, and Ndayiga in Buvuma District. The ministry expects to compensate a total of 1,405 PAPs across 11 villages, disclosing the list to PAPs before phased payments.”

However, Buvuma residents say the ministries have refused to confirm whether they are included in this allocation, despite the President’s directive.

“The people claimed to be compensated have never been revealed, and we don’t know them. Other areas they want to compensate are not yet disclosed to us, so who are they compensating if not us?” Mr Katuntu questioned.

The compensation dispute dates back to 2018, when over 100 residents sued the government and Bidco in Mukono High Court, accusing them of forced eviction, inadequate and delayed compensation, and failure to disclose compensation amounts. The case, which stalled for years, was transferred to the Lugazi High court in this April.

Protesters, who are also complainants, say that during the President’s June visit, he advised them to withdraw the case in favour of an out-of-court settlement, promising fast-tracked compensation. While they vowed to comply, the compensation has still not materialised.

“The President told us he is ready to compensate us, which is why we decided to follow up. But nothing has been done. When we received the communication about compensating victims of palm oil expansion, we approached the relevant ministries, who have since turned us down,” Mr Katuntu further revealed.

Community leaders say they provided proof of land ownership as requested. The Ministry of Agriculture, however, allegedly insisted on written confirmation from the Ministry of Lands. Even after residents provided the requested documentation, Agriculture did not respond.

“We gave them whatever they wanted, but they didn’t act. This has caused us doubt. That is why we want to meet their boss, the President,” said Waiswa.

The protestors, including elderly farmers, women, and youth, have vowed to stay at the Entebbe Children’s Park until the President meets them.

“We cannot leave here without meeting the President. We are sure he will hear us, and we shall be compensated. That is why we are here, and we are not ready to go,” they added.

Since its initial implementation, the oil palm project has affected thousands of people. For people in Buvuma, Mr Katuntu revealed that some affected families have endured more than a decade of suffering since the oil palm project began expanding, losing homes, land, and livelihoods. They are calling for the President’s intervention to ensure full compensation of all legitimate project-affected persons.

MEDIA FOR CHANGE NETWORK

Mbale City Senior Lands Officer Charged with Abuse of Office Over Sale of Govt Property

Published

21 hours ago

July 15, 2026

witnessradio.org

KAMPALA — A senior land management official in Mbale City has been arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court on charges of abuse of office and fraudulent procurement of a certificate of title after allegedly facilitating the irregular sale of government-allocated land to a private businessman.

Emmanuel Paul Kigaye appeared in court Tuesday following his arrest by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

According to the prosecution, between September 2019 and May 2023, Kigaye, while serving as senior land management officer at Mbale City, engaged in an arbitrary act prejudicial to his employer’s interests. He is accused of irregularly causing the Registrar of Titles at the Mbale Ministry Zonal Office to issue a certificate of title for Plot 27, Bishop Masaba Road, in the name of businessman Moses Wamatsembe.

The state alleges that the action was illegal because the plot had already been allocated to the Dairy Development Authority. Prosecutors further claim that Kigaye fraudulently processed and procured the registration of a freehold certificate of title — FRV MBA199 Folio 22, instrument number MBA-0009476 — for land measuring approximately 0.5040 hectares at the same location, still in Wamatsembe’s name.

Kigaye denied the charges. He was remanded to Luzira Prison and is scheduled to reappear in court July 16.

The case highlights ongoing efforts by anti-corruption agencies to tackle irregularities in land administration, a sector long plagued by disputes and allegations of malfeasance in Uganda. Land management officers wield significant influence over title processing and allocations, making the position susceptible to abuse when proper safeguards are bypassed.

The State House Anti-Corruption Unit, established by President Yoweri Museveni in December 2018 under Article 99(4) of the Constitution, was created to fast-track the resolution of corruption complaints received by the presidency. Since its inception, the unit has conducted more than 400 operations across more than 100 districts, resulting in the arraignment of more than 856 suspects and 150 convictions. It has also recovered billions of shillings in public funds and facilitated the interdiction of numerous corrupt officials.

The arrest of Kigaye forms part of the unit’s intensified scrutiny of public officials suspected of undermining government interests through corrupt land deals. Such cases often involve collusion between bureaucrats and private individuals to divert public resources for personal gain, eroding public trust in local governance and development authorities.

Court proceedings are expected to shed more light on the alleged transaction as investigations continue. Officials from Mbale City and the Dairy Development Authority have yet to issue public statements on the matter.

Source: pmldaily.com

MEDIA FOR CHANGE NETWORK

Kibaale Residents Raise Corruption Concerns Over Delayed Land Title Processing

Published

21 hours ago

July 15, 2026

witnessradio.org

Residents of Kibaale District have accused officials of corruption and unnecessary delays in the processing of land titles, saying the challenges continue to fuel land conflicts and deny vulnerable communities secure land ownership. The concerns were raised during a Uganda Land Commission sensitisation on the Systematic Land Adjudication and Certification programme.

Residents of Kibaale District have raised concerns over alleged corruption and prolonged delays in the processing of land titles, saying the challenges continue to affect land ownership and fuel disputes within communities.

The concerns were raised during a community sensitisation meeting organised by the Uganda Land Commission (ULC) on the Systematic Land Adjudication and Certification (SLAC) programme, ahead of the issuance of more than 2,000 land titles covering 647 hectares (1,600 acres) of land purchased by the government from Fred Kasozi for beneficiary communities.

The land, located on Block 241, Plot 1 in Buyanga, covers Kasambya, Kineka A, Kikonge, and Kidukuule villages in Buyanga Sub-county, Kibaale District.

Residents welcomed the initiative but questioned why many beneficiaries under previous phases of the programme are yet to receive their land titles despite completing the registration process several years ago

They argued that the delays have created uncertainty over land ownership and contributed to an increase in land-related disputes.

Community members also alleged that corruption within the land administration process has made it difficult for vulnerable people to access land titles, with some officials reportedly demanding bribes before processing applications.

Ibrahim John Mulumba, a resident of Kibaale Town Council, said he applied for a land title more than six years ago but has never received it.

“Some of us processed our land titles over six years ago, but they have never been released. We believe some of the delays are because people could not afford to pay bribes. Corruption among some land officers has frustrated many applicants,” Mulumba said.

He further claimed that only a few people managed to obtain land titles through the intervention of adjudication committees.

Janepher Mbabazi, a resident of Kikonge A Village, accused some government officials of promoting corruption, which she said has contributed to increasing cases of land grabbing.

Matia Birungi, the LC I Chairperson of Kasambya Village, welcomed the government’s intervention, saying the programme offers a lasting solution to persistent land conflicts affecting communities.

Augustine Bugara from the Uganda Land Commission warned officials against engaging in corrupt practices, noting that such behaviour undermines government programmes intended to improve people’s livelihoods.

“Corruption sabotages government programmes and denies intended beneficiaries the services they deserve,” Bugara said.

Vincent Kasaija, the LC II Chairperson of Kibaale, applauded the government for rolling out the programme, saying secure land ownership would promote peaceful coexistence and create a stable environment for economic development.

Kenneth Kabyanga, Chairperson of Kibaale Town Council, urged the Commission to ensure that land titling is implemented in line with the town’s physical development plan to avoid future planning challenges within the central business area.

Tom John Kasenge, a Commissioner at the Uganda Land Commission, said the programme is intended to improve community livelihoods by securing land rights and reducing land-related conflicts.

“The programme is aimed at promoting community livelihoods through agriculture by securing land ownership and ensuring communities live in a conflict-free environment,” Kasenge said.

He explained that communities who have occupied the land as bona fide occupants would eventually receive legal ownership, enabling them to invest confidently in long-term development.

Kasenge also outlined the requirements for processing land titles, noting that beneficiaries would pay processing fees ranging between Shs30,000 and Shs40,000.

He said the exercise would begin with community mobilisation, followed by boundary opening, land surveys, plot subdivision, and eventual issuance of land titles.

Responding to concerns raised by residents, Kasenge assured the community that the Commission remains committed to addressing challenges affecting the programme and finding sustainable solutions to land disputes.

Meanwhile, Kibaale Resident District Commissioner Stephen Byaruhanga acknowledged the existence of corruption within the district’s land administration system, alleging that some officials attached to the District Land Board had frustrated legitimate applicants.

“There have been corruption tendencies involving some officials, and many people have failed to benefit because of those practices,” Byaruhanga said.

He requested the Uganda Land Commission to provide his office with records from previous land title processing exercises to facilitate investigations into cases where beneficiaries never received their titles.

“Having this information will enable the security team to investigate those who frustrated the process and ensure accountability,” he added.

John Byarugaba, a staff surveyor in the Kibaale District Lands Office, said preparations for the latest land title distribution exercise had been completed.

“We already have everything in place, including survey stones, and we are ready to begin the exercise,” Byarugaba said.

He explained that under Block 244, Plot 20 in Karuguza, 912 land titles were processed and all beneficiaries received them, while under Block 178, Plot 1 in Nyamarunda Town Council, 1,517 land titles were processed, although a few remain uncollected.

He added that approximately 200 land titles under Block 244, Plot 19 in Buyaga, Karuguza, are still pending processing.

Source: nilepost.co.ug

MEDIA FOR CHANGE NETWORK

New MPs to undergo orientation on land governance

Published

2 days ago

July 14, 2026

witnessradio.org

KAMPALA – Members of Uganda’s 12th Parliament are set to participate in a high-level orientation on land governance on 17th July 2026 at the Parliamentary Conference Hall, in a move aimed at strengthening legislators’ understanding of one of the country’s most complex and sensitive development issues.

The orientation, organised by the Uganda Parliamentarians Land Management Forum (UPLMF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, will bring together Members of Parliament, government officials, development partners, technical experts and civil society organisations to discuss emerging land governance challenges and the role of Parliament in promoting equitable, transparent and sustainable land management. Land remains a critical national asset that underpins agriculture, investment, infrastructure development, environmental conservation and social stability.

However, persistent challenges such as land conflicts, illegal evictions, insecure land tenure, weak land administration systems and limited public awareness continue to hindersocio-economic transformation. Parliament has consistently identified land governance as a priority area requiring stronger legislative oversight and policy implementation.

The orientation is expected to equip legislators with practical knowledge on Uganda’s land laws, the National Land Policy, customary and statutory land tenure systems, land administration institutions, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Special attention will also be given to gender-responsive land governance, dispute resolution mechanisms, and the importance of protecting vulnerable groups, including women and youth, in accessing and owning land.

Participants will engage with experts from government, academia, development partners and civil society, providing an opportunity to exchange experiences and identify policy interventions that can strengthen land governance across the country.

According Charles Opolot, the orientation comes at an important time as the new Parliament begins its legislative work. It is expected to prepare Members of Parliament to effectively debate land-related legislation, scrutinise government programmes, monitor implementation of land policies and respond to constituents’ concerns on land matters.

Charles Opolot, Advocacy and Partnership Manager with the forum, believes that well-informed legislators will contribute significantly to reducing land-related disputes, promoting responsible land administration and advancing inclusive national development.

The orientation has attracted support from development partners such as Oxfam, Pelum Uganda, Cordaid and Zoaamong others who committed to improving land governance and strengthening parliamentary engagement on land issues. It also reflects growing recognition that effective land governance is central to achieving sustainable development, food security, environmental protection and economic growth.

As Uganda continues to experience increasing pressure on land arising from population growth, urbanisation and commercial investment, stakeholders hope that the orientation will strengthen Parliament’s capacity to champion policies that promote justice, transparency and equitable access to land for all Ugandans.

Source: pmldaily.com