The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Budget Committee of parliament has approved Shillings 12 billion for compensating of people affected by the development of Amuru Sugar works project. The Lands, Housing and Urban Development Ministry had requested for Shillings 19 billion to compensate the residents in the surveyed area.
Gilbert Olanya, the Kilak South Member of Parliament in Amuru district, says the Budget Committee passed the request to pave way for the public private-partnership project. The sugar project, which is being implemented by Madhvani Group of companies and government commenced in 2007.
However, the project stalled due to land wrangles pitying government against residents. Olanya appeals to local leaders in Ndir, Bombay, Oforo, Barolam and others to ensure that the right people benefit from the compensation process. Denis Obbo, the Spokesman of the Lands, Housing and Urban Development Ministry confirmed the development.
He says the ministry is aware of the development, saying the Ministry will start compensating residents as soon as the Finance Ministry disburses the money. He however, says since the disbursement is coming from a supplementary budget, they will effect payment before the end of the 2017/18 financial year.
At least 7,000 hectares of the 40,000 hectares of land Madhvani sought in Lakang, Bana and Kololo among others in Amuru Sub County for establishment of the project was surveyed early this year. Five residents sued the land board and Madhvani for illegally transacting land belonging to residents.
They are Concy Aciro, the former Amuru Woman Member of Parliament, Michael Ocula, the former Kilak Member of Parliament, David Ocheng Penytoo , the former Gulu Municipality Member of Parliament, Zachaeus Uma and Jackson Obalim.
In 2012, court ruled that the land is not customary. Court will rule on an appeal lodged by the five on May 24th, 2018.
