BKK Prime Minister and his cabinet Ministers suspended over abuse of office

HOIMA – Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom (BKK) Prime Minister, Andrew Byakutanga and his Finance Minister, Robert Owagonza and others have been indefinitely suspended from office over misconduct and abuse of office.

According to the letter dated 30th of January 2022 and signed by the Head of the Babito ruling clan, the Chief Prince (Okwiri) Engineer Fred Mugenyi Ruchunya indicated that the decision to sack them was reached on 29th of January 2022 during a Babito general assembly held at Karuzika Palace No5 in Hoima town.

According to the letter, the officials are accused of lack of transparency and accountability for the kingdom resources, fraudulent and dubious withdrawals and expenditure of Kingdom finances without any approved policy and activity planned in the palace.

According to Ruchunya, in 2018, the government accepted to give the Kingdom its share from Kinyara Sugar Works worth Shs33 billion, Shs1.25 billion is paid quarterly and government has been paying this money for two years.

He further says, they have demanded Byakutanga and his members to give accountability in vain.

In his letter, Ruchunya noted that they made investigations in Equity Bank where the kingdom opened accounts and got banks statements and found out that colossal sums of money were withdrawn by Byakutanga and signatories.

According to him, on 21-4-2021, Shs 400 million was withdrawn, on 24-12-2019, Shs 250 million was withdrawn, and on 3rd-3-2020, Shs 250 million was withdrawn and money was given to the law firm of a one Kabega.

It is also indicated that on 20-5-2019, Shs 765 million was withdrawn, 26-5-2019, Shs 370 millions was withdrawn, again on 26-5-2019 Shs 90 millions was withdrawn and all this money was paid to a law firm called PORD.

On 20th-8-2019, Shs 205 million was withdrawn and on 26-6-2020, Shs 296 million was withdrawn and all the money was paid to a law firm called GAUFF.

Ruchunya said, the Kingdom has not been having court cases that would cost such sums of money adding that this money was taken by individuals for their personal interests.

He also accused the Prime Minister and his members for mismanagement of Kingdom assets and property, involvement in the sale of the Kingdom land, insubordination and disrespect of the Babito ruling clan among others.

He noted that basing on these actions, Ruchunya said, the meeting of Babito resolved that the Prime Minister (Byakutaga) and his ministers step aside from office and hand over offices to their deputies immediately to pave way for investigations and forensic Audit.

“The meeting observed these actions tantamount to gross abuse of office as Prime Minister of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom and its leadership before their subjects. Therefore, in the interest of its continued smooth existence and growth of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, the meeting resolved and mandated Okwiri to direct you (Byakutanga) and the two cabinet Ministers to step aside from your voluntary services to the Kingdom with immediate effect to pave way for investigations and forensic audit,” the letter reads in parts.

However, in his response to the letter dated 30th of January 2022 and signed by Byakutanga, he disregarded Ruchunya’s orders and described it as baseless.

He noted that Okwiri Ruchunya has no power, whatsoever to appoint or to dismiss any official of the Kingdom, either as an individual or by virtue of the authority he holds in that office.

He noted that Omukama of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Dr. Solomon Iguru Gafabusa is the only appointing authority of the Kingdom and the only one who can replace officials of the Kingdom as he pleases.

“Whereas I respect the Office of the Okwiri, as the head of the Babito clan in the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, I would like to categorically state that the purported author of the document has no power, whatsoever to appoint or to dismiss any official of the Kingdom, either as an individual or by virtue of the authority he holds in that office,” Byakutanga explained.

But Okwiri Ruchunya in his letter said, his appointment gives him power to take action against any errant kingdom official.

“You are aware, the Babito are the ruling clan and we derive our authority from the statute of 1993 that reinstated cultural leaders and who are mandated to administer their kingdoms, chiefdoms and the subjects. We also derive our authority from article 246 of the constitution of the republic of Uganda and as amended in 2011, explained in the letter. I also derive authority from my appointment instructions in which Omukama mandated me to take any appropriate action against any official of the kingdom in case the Babito general assembly and clan executive central committee or Okwiri himself has a cause to believe that there is a crime or misconduct committed or about to be committed,”

However, Kabega Musa of Kabega, Bogezi & BukenyaAdvocates whose law firm was mentioned to have received huge sums when contacted said, his law firm has been offering legal services to the Kingdom but he declined to divulge more details about the service he has been offering.

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Avocado cooperative seeks to make Acholi a green sub-region

ACHOLI – Gulu Avocado Farmers’ Cooperative Society has embarked on growing Hass Avocado variety; an initiative that will see heavily deforested Acholi sub-region green again and increase income among households.

The Hass Avocado is dark green-colored and has a bumpy skin and a smooth, creamy nutty taste.

It was grown and sold by Southern California mail courier and amateur horticulturist Rudolph Hass, who also gave it his name in 1926-1935.

Gulu Avocado Farmers’ Cooperative Society that was registered in 2021, has more than 70 members spread out in Gulu, Amuru, Agago, Lamwo, Nwoya in Acholi sub-region and Lira, Oyam and Amolatar districts in Lango sub-region.

Pastor Gabriel Lajul, the Chairperson told theCooperator that an unknown number of trees are cut down every year to make space for annual food and cash crops in the region.

“We believe that Hass Avocado is a perennial crop that will bring money into pockets of our farmers and at the same time green the environment,” he said.

Approximately, 4,000 out of 16,000 hectares of forest cover in Acholi sub-region has been depleted since 2016-2019.

According to Our trees we need answers, a pressure group of journalists, researchers and community workers advocating for conservation of trees, majority of the trees are cut down for wood fuel especially charcoal and timber.

Lajul who has planted 5 acres of Hass Avocado in Pabbo sub-county, Amuru district noted that avocado trees could be the solution to unending land conflicts.

“We currently don’t have long lasting landmarks that can help address land conflicts but this can be solved by people planting avocado trees. One can harvest avocado fruits for 50 years if well maintained,” he said.

The group which is positioning itself to join the Hass Avocado export economy like farmers in Kenya, are already investing in learning visits to established farms for farmers to acquire hands on skills to maintain the Hass Avocado trees.

“In 2021, we visited Musubi farm in Mayuge district and will visit another farm in Nakaseke district this month,” Lajul said.

Since it’s difficult for farmers to grow avocado on large acreage of land, the cooperative is sensitizing as many small holder farmers as possible to ensure and strengthen bulking.

Lajul notes that there is available market for avocado considering that much of the fruit is currently supplied by Elgon and West Nile regions.

Challenges

Alfred Komakech, a member of the production committee of the cooperative who has planted 26 Hass trees in Paicho sub-county, Gulu district says, the challenge they are currently faced with is a poor attitude problem among potential farmers who have tried and failed at other crops.

“People keep complaining that they have tried other crops like chia and ginger only to make losses due to lack of market,” Komakech said.

He said, the Hass Avocado seeds are also costly for ordinary farmers and accordingly called on the government to include it among inputs distributed free of charge under existing programs like Operation Wealth Creation (OWC).

In May 2021, the then Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Vincent Ssempijja launched a nationwide avocado-growing campaign.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Hillary Agaba, the Director of Research at the National Forestry Resources Research Institute (NaFORRI), said that Uganda aims to produce a million avocado seedlings over the next 12 months, which will be given out to farmers at a subsidized fee of Shs 5,000.

Health experts say, Hass Avocado is nutritious and contains potassium, heart-healthy acids as well as fibre.

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Avocado cooperative seeks to make Acholi a green sub-region

ACHOLI – Gulu Avocado Farmers’ Cooperative Society has embarked on growing Hass Avocado variety; an initiative that will see heavily deforested Acholi sub-region green again and increase income among households.

The Hass Avocado is dark green-colored and has a bumpy skin and a smooth, creamy nutty taste.

It was grown and sold by Southern California mail courier and amateur horticulturist Rudolph Hass, who also gave it his name in 1926-1935.

Gulu Avocado Farmers’ Cooperative Society that was registered in 2021, has more than 70 members spread out in Gulu, Amuru, Agago, Lamwo, Nwoya in Acholi sub-region and Lira, Oyam and Amolatar districts in Lango sub-region.

Pastor Gabriel Lajul, the Chairperson told theCooperator that an unknown number of trees are cut down every year to make space for annual food and cash crops in the region.

“We believe that Hass Avocado is a perennial crop that will bring money into pockets of our farmers and at the same time green the environment,” he said.

Approximately, 4,000 out of 16,000 hectares of forest cover in Acholi sub-region has been depleted since 2016-2019.

According to Our trees we need answers, a pressure group of journalists, researchers and community workers advocating for conservation of trees, majority of the trees are cut down for wood fuel especially charcoal and timber.

Lajul who has planted 5 acres of Hass Avocado in Pabbo sub-county, Amuru district noted that avocado trees could be the solution to unending land conflicts.

“We currently don’t have long lasting landmarks that can help address land conflicts but this can be solved by people planting avocado trees. One can harvest avocado fruits for 50 years if well maintained,” he said.

The group which is positioning itself to join the Hass Avocado export economy like farmers in Kenya, are already investing in learning visits to established farms for farmers to acquire hands on skills to maintain the Hass Avocado trees.

“In 2021, we visited Musubi farm in Mayuge district and will visit another farm in Nakaseke district this month,” Lajul said.

Since it’s difficult for farmers to grow avocado on large acreage of land, the cooperative is sensitizing as many small holder farmers as possible to ensure and strengthen bulking.

Lajul notes that there is available market for avocado considering that much of the fruit is currently supplied by Elgon and West Nile regions.

Challenges

Alfred Komakech, a member of the production committee of the cooperative who has planted 26 Hass trees in Paicho sub-county, Gulu district says, the challenge they are currently faced with is a poor attitude problem among potential farmers who have tried and failed at other crops.

“People keep complaining that they have tried other crops like chia and ginger only to make losses due to lack of market,” Komakech said.

He said, the Hass Avocado seeds are also costly for ordinary farmers and accordingly called on the government to include it among inputs distributed free of charge under existing programs like Operation Wealth Creation (OWC).

In May 2021, the then Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Vincent Ssempijja launched a nationwide avocado-growing campaign.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Hillary Agaba, the Director of Research at the National Forestry Resources Research Institute (NaFORRI), said that Uganda aims to produce a million avocado seedlings over the next 12 months, which will be given out to farmers at a subsidized fee of Shs 5,000.

Health experts say, Hass Avocado is nutritious and contains potassium, heart-healthy acids as well as fibre.

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Minister Tumwebaze sets team to investigate fake drugs

KAMPALA – Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has appointed a special team to carry out investigations on the alleged fake drugs in the market.

“We have put up a technical committee to study these issues of supply chain and other factors responsible for improving tick resistance. Farmers buy the drugs from the market but we want to study why farmers do not get value from their acaricides,” Tumwebaze said.

The Minister encouraged publicizing authorized drug shops allowed to sell agrichemicals to the farmers.

“I want to let you know that MAAIF, working with National Drug Authority (NDA), is going to intensify through the district authorities to publicize the registered veterinary outlets and authorized drug sellers and distributors such that farmers take personal responsibility before buying the drugs,” said Tumwebaze.

“If we don’t intensify our registration and publication of authorized drug sellers, fake drugs will continue to litter the market. The low prices will lure farmers and eventually suffocate them with poor outcomes,” he added.

Hon Tumwebaze further said, in the coming days MAAIF and NDA will issue and publicize all the registered pharmacies, veterinary drug stores through mass media and social media.

“We should know the drug pharmacies and veterinary drug shops licensed such that if you buy a drug from there, and it’s not working, you are able to report and we will hold that store accountable so as to crackdown on the entire chain,” Tumwebaze emphasized.

He also threatened to de-register all veterinary drug outlets stocking fake drugs.

“If they are the type of vet doctors who go and buy anything from container village yet they are licensed, then they risk losing their licenses and suffer associated legal penalties,” Tumwebaze said.

He appealed to farmers to patiently wait for the possible solutions to the alleged fake drugs.

“Just to let you know, we have not rested, the struggle continues and we are still waiting for the committees’ report to guide us on formulating our policy and regulatory reforms that is backed by evidence from experts,” adds Minister Tumwebaze.

Hon Frank Tumwebaze confirmed that there could be fake drugs used to treat animals in Uganda.

He said that he is shocked with the rate at which farmers are reporting about fake inputs in the Uganda market.

“I want to let you know that Ministry of Agriculture has noted with concern the growing number of reports on counterfeit agricultural drugs. The problem is mainly in the veterinary sector but also to some extent in the agricultural sector and most of the drugs do not have the required levels of efficacy,” Tumwebaze explained.

However, during the Farmers’ Parliament in Kiruhura, Abiaz Rwamwiri, the Public Relations Manager National Drug Authority insisted that the authority ensures that all drugs which are on the Uganda market both human and veterinary are of good quality, safe and working well.

“What we control are either drugs manufactured here or imported, and those we are sure that by the time they are imported, we have analyzed them and they are safer and meet the standards they are supposed to be,” said Rwamwiri.

He also reported that its possible fake drugs are still being sneaked into the country through porous borders.

“It doesn’t mean that there are no issues of counterfeit because some of them actually are smuggled into the country especially through the porous borders of Congo, Rwanda and Tanzania,” says Rwamwiri.

Speaking to James Ndibajuna, the Chairman Abesigana Kashari Dairy Farmers Co-op Ltd, blamed fake drugs on government’s changes in the ministries.

“Initially all acaricides were under MAAIF but today there are some which are regulated under Ministry of Health. Do you think the health of people is equal to the health of animals? ” explains Ndibajuna.

He added that counterfeit inputs have escalated due to the private sector taking full charge of Uganda’s market.

“The government decided that this is a decentralized government, so everyone is free to bring in his drugs and manufacturers. Different companies will produce similar drugs but with a different quality,” Ndibajuna said.
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Arua Central Market authorities allocating stalls to vendors

ARUA – Market authorities of Arua Central Market have started allocating stalls and other business facilities to vendors.

Dott Services Ltd and Joadah Consults built the multibillion market at the tune of Shs34.9 billion.

The modern market will host 5,012 vendors in its lock ups, stalls, banking mall, pharmacy among others. Also the market has other supporting facilities like electricity, water, television sets, cameras and various offices.

Sam Adriko, the Head of Finance Arua City who also doubles as the Market Master and in charge of administration and resettlement of the market vendors in the new market says, they have so far registered more than 4,000 vendors.

Registration and allocation of stalls and lockups are ongoing until it has officially been launched and opened for use.

He further said, the registered vendors include; those who deal in produce, dry fish, meat, second hand clothes, general merchandise among others.

According to Adriko, upon opening for use, the market will reorganize the city especially with the numerous mini markets that have been opened within and in the outskirts of the city.

“We hope that upon official opening of the market, the city authorities will move to regulate the opening and operation of other smaller markets so that customers are allowed to transact majorly in the central market,” said Adriko.

“I want to challenge the fish traders to join the rest of the vendors in the market so that there is uniformity, adding that soon the market at OPM shall be demolished. I also call on the hawkers and vendors along the roads to immediately shift to the new market to avoid inconveniences that may arise from impounding their goods,” Adriko said.

Adomati Dickson, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner (DRCC) Arua City says, the government has done its part. And now, it’s up to the vendors to utilize the market to transform their lives.

Adomati says, whereas complaints in stall allocation have already started trickling in, he advises the aggrieved persons to use peaceful methods in resolving their differences.

“We know that during allocation of facilities for vendors at the new multi billion market, complaints and concerns will arise, I want to appeal to the aggrieved people to always approach our offices and use peaceful methods to resolve their differences. We don’t want to see people fighting over spaces. It’s us to grow and fight poverty from our households,” Adomati said.

Adomati also warned city authorities against allocating stalls for themselves, and mismanaging revenues that will be collected from the market.

The Arua Central Market is expected to be officially commissioned by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. A date is yet to be announced.

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UCDA to establish a Shs.1 billion regional coffee learning hub at MUST

MBARARA – Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) is in collaboration with Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) to construct a coffee learning hub at Kihumuro Campus on Mbarara-Bushenyi road.

In a letter dated 10th January 2022, addressed to the Vice Chancellor Mbarara University of Science and Technology, UCDA’s Managing Director Dr Emmanuel Iyamulemye requested for allocation of land for the establishment of a coffee learning hub at the campus.

“The purpose of this letter, therefore, is to request for allocation of five (5) acres of land at the MUST Campus along the Mbarara-Bushenyi road for establishment of the coffee learning hub. We will greatly appreciate the University Council’s positive consideration,” reads part of the letter.

According to Dr Iyamulemye, the proposal was derived from a meeting held on 8th June 2021 between the university council together with UCDA’s top officials.

“Reference is made to a meeting with the Chairman University Council of Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) and the Member of Parliament, Mbarara City North and myself on 8th June 2021,” he said.

During the meeting, Lyamulemye confirmed that a preliminary request was made for allocation of land for establishment of a coffee learning hub at MUST.

UCDA’s Managing Director adds that the proposed coffee learning hub will be established through joint funding at the cost of about Shs. 1.4 billion and will be implemented in a phased manner starting with an initial joint funding of USD 25,000 from the Inter Africa Coffee Organization (IACO).

“The rest of the resources will be financed from UCDA annual budgetary allocations,” said lyamulemye.

He further said, the coffee learning hub will consist of a coffee demonstration garden, training centre, coffee roaster, a café, conference facilities and office space for UCDA Regional office for South Western region.

According to Dr lyamulemye, the coffee learning hub will purposely implement the clause of research and development in the South Western region as earlier amended in the coffee law that was gazetted on 13th September 2021.

It will also include; a laboratory for coffee quality analysis for pre-export certification for cooperatives and export companies operating in the region.

“The coffee learning hub will provide space for research, training and skilling in coffee value chain to students and members of Mbarara University Coffee Club,” says lyamulemye.

Dr Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari, area MP Mbarara City North who also doubles as the National Chairman Entrepreneurs League welcomed the development in his constituency saying that it will be part of employment to the growing youthful population in Mbarara City.

“Comrades, as I mentioned last year. We now want to set up a coffee learning hub at MUST to train our youths as coffee baristas. This is an employment opportunity for the youths as part of industrialization,” says Rukaari.

However, speaking to some of the university staff members who asked for anonymity, they said they were not convinced with the way the top management is awarding the little land they have to the government yet at first the university got it from the government.

“Awarding the university land to government parastatals is madness. How could that happen, the university is congested and we still need more land for expansion,” said a university staff.

“Is the chairman of council equal to the entire council members? Then why doesn’t he consult his fellow council members before making any decision? Another university staff member angrily asked.

When asked about the development, Vice Chancellor Prof Celestine Obua only answered that the university still has much land to support government projects.

“Tell them not to get worried because we still have much unutilized land to develop. Secondly, Mbarara University is a government institution so we are there to complement each other but not to fight one another,” says Obua.

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President Museveni commissions 346 km roads in Bunyoro

HOIMA – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni commissioned various roads measuring to 346 kms in the Albertine Graben worth billions of shillings.

The President commissioned the roads that include the 111km oil road Hoima-Kigorobya -Butiaba- Buliisa-Wanseko that was constructed at a cost of Shs 630 billion, the 69 km Kigumba-Masindi-Buliima road that was constructed at a cost of Shs 203 billion and the 66 km Buliima-Hoima-Kabwoya-Kyejonjo road that was constructed at a cost of Shs 1413 billion all measuring 235km.

Hoima-Kigorobya -Butiaba- Buliisa-Wanseko was constructed by China Communication Construction Company Limited, Kigumba-Masindi Buliima, Kabwoya was constructed by China Railway No 5 Construction Company and Kabwoya-Kagadi-Kyejono roads was constructed by Shengli Engineering Construction (Group) Co. Ltd under the supervision of Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA).

After commissioning the roads, President Museveni addressed the Bunyoro region leaders at Bwikya Muslim headquarters in Hoima City.

In his speech, Museveni expressed concern over some groups of people misleading the public that the road infrastructures have been developed due to oil and gas discovery.

He noted that the Kigumba-Bulima-Kabwoya, Kabwoya-Kyejonjo, Bubende- Kakumiro-Kibaale Kagandi roads, Hoima-Kiboga-Kampala and Masindi -Kafu roads were meant to be constructed with or without oil.

He further said, these roads were under the National Road Network Plan to link Northern to Western Uganda to promote, trade and tourism from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Murchison falls National Park.

“It is wrong to say that these roads were constructed due to oil and gas discovery, so you mean that if Bunyoro had no oil, the government wouldn’t have constructed roads in this area? No, this is not true, some of the roads we are commissioning today are oil roads and others were in our National Road Network Plan. So, you should explain to our people about this,” the President explained.

He added that the government has mobilized funds to work on other roads which are not oil roads such as the -Ndaiga, Birembo-Nkoko-Ntwetwe-Masode roads and Karuguza-Kyegegwa- Kabogole-Burunga and Kazoo among other.

Museveni explained that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has paid the road debt for Bunyoro and therefore the people of Bunyoro should use the roads wisely to cause socio-economic transformation.

He also said that there is need for the people of Bunyoro to embrace commercial farming if the roads are to create impact to the Kingdom subjects.

He challenged the political and religious leaders to mobilize people to embrace the four-acre model to ensure that people move out poverty. Under this model, the president encouraged every Ugandan who wants to move out poverty to at least have one acre of coffee, fruits, food crops, and rear cows for milk, poultry and piggery.

President Museveni noted that intensive and extensive agriculture should be embraced despite the existing good roads infrastructure. He also noted that Uganda is now peaceful adding that the availability of peace and improved infrastructures should be used to promote development of the region.

Meanwhile, Asinasi Nyakato, the Hoima City Woman MP petitioned the President to intervene and order the payment of residents who were affected by the construction of several roads that have been tarmacked.

She noted that the people who were affected by the Hoima-Kaiso-Tonya roads have spent more than 10 years demanding for their compensation but there is no one to respond to their demands.

Though they had denied her a chance to speak, Nyakato moved to the front and whispered to the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja about the issues despite calls from NRM leaders stopping her.

Nabbanja asked Nyakato to write to her office promising that all unpaid PAPs will be paid soon.

Nabbanja commended the government for the construction of the roads adding that the region has been longing for such infrastructure. She said that the development in region are as result of visionary leadership of NRM adding that she is impressed with the good infrastructure across the country.

Speaking at the same function Fred Byamukama, the State Minister for works raised a red flag against the theft of road signs on various roads in Bunyoro region and the country at large. He says, the theft of road signage is dangerous for road users.

Byamukama also expressed concern over the increased encroachment on roads reserves in the country. He said the two vices cost the government millions of shillings in compensation and replacing vandalized roads signs.

He called on leaders to mobilize the locals to own these roads and use them profitably.

He noted that Bunyoro region has so far 800km of improved roads infrastructure which he said will help in transforming the region and facilitate agricultural and oil and gas sectors which are in line with the NRM manifesto.

Byamukama appealed to the leaders and the locals to jealously guard the roads and stop destroying the road signs. He also warned the heavy trucks drivers to stop overloading on these roads adding that this challenge is affecting the lifespan of the roads.

Matia Kasaija, the Minister for Finance also said, that the commissioned roads in the region will help to provide regional integration with DRC and Rwanda and also facilitate oil activities.

He added that the roads will also help provide production and industrialization of the oil sector.

“The roads will enhance socio-economic transformation among the people and ensure growth and economic development,” he noted.

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More than 1,000 households face eviction from their land in Masindi

BULIISA– More than 1,000 families in the two villages of Booma and Watembu in Butiaba Town Council, Buliisa district are at a risk of being evicted from their land.

This is according to the Masindi Chief Magistrate’s judgement that was delivered by Justice Deogratius Ssejemba in favour of Francis Kahwa Balam.

In 2014, residents of the said villages went to Masindi Magistrate’s Court challenging Kahwa over ownership of over 500 acres of land in Butiaba Town Council in the same district.

The residents accused Kahwa of fraudulently obtaining the land.They contended that Kahwa doesn’t have documents authenticating his ownership of the acres in question.

“Kahwa has no land in the area,” the angry residents told theCooperator outside court.

According to Amos Bazaale, a resident of Booma village, the land in Buliisa district is customarily owned and he is wondering how he obtained it.

“We are going to appeal against this judgement. This judgement is unfair because more than 1,000 households are at a risk of being evicted. There is no justice in this ruling. There is injustice in this ruling. The government should intervene and save the people of Buliisa against grabbers,” he added.

Simon Byenkya Musiimo, an elder explained that in 2003, President Museveni asked the Basiimo Clan to donate land for government to establish a Military Training School in Butiaba saying, in 2006 President Museveni visited the same area and the boundaries were made between the community and barracks.

He added that they were surprised when they saw Kahwa deploying armed soldiers to undertake a survey for the remaining piece acres.

Byenkya told theCooperator that when they asked Kahwa for a survey report of his land application; to their dismay, Kahwa didn’t give a convincing answer.

“Kahwa doesn’t have any documents about the ownership. I am wondering how Kahwa is claiming land ownership in this area and yet he doesn’t have any binding document,” the elder added.

However, Francis Kahwa Balam, told journalists that he compensated the land owners noting that those claiming the acres in question are the owners.

”I compensated the land owners, those making claims are not owners. Those who occupied the land were paid. I am happy since the ruling has been delivered in my favour, ” a happy Kahwa explained.

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Indian investors seeking investment opportunities in Acholi sub-region

ACHOLI – A group of Indian investors are in search for potential investment opportunities in Acholi sub region.

In December 2021, a delegation representing a group of more than 2000 investors in New Delhi, India visited Gulu City to meet leaders from the sub region.

Acholi sub-region is gifted with fertile land and requires technological investments to meet its commercial agriculture potential.

Agriculture is a key potential area that the investors talked about at the meeting that took place at Gulu City yard.

Jignesh Panchal, the head of the delegation comprising of small and medium enterprise owners in India says, they are interested in understanding the available investment opportunities in the region; ranging from agriculture, value addition, education, machineries among others in a sub-region that is steadily recovering from the impact of a 2-decade war.

“Our major reason for visiting this area is to understand the available investment opportunities given the rich and available fertile land in the region,” Panchal says.

Sunil Kumar Tada, an Indian investor based in Gulu City says there are huge investment opportunities including education, health, hospitality among others that are yet to be properly tapped into in Gulu City and the region.

“Currently, hundreds of parents take their children and relatives to learn and receive treatment from Central Uganda, mainly Kampala because there is still a huge gap in the two sectors to be filled in the sub region,” Kumar cites.

The delegation that held a meeting with Gulu City officials at the Gulu City yard is also expected to meet President Museveni on the 8th of December this year.

Moses Otimong, the Acting Gulu City Town Clerk says, Gulu’s strategic positioning to the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan makes it even a better investment location in the region, given its available market.

According to Otimong, many of the local investors in the region are doing low scale business probably due to limited knowledge and financial might.

“If we can have such investors coming into the region to partner with our local investors here; we could see an exponential growth in businesses especially in the agricultural sector which seemingly is lagging behind due to limited knowledge, exposure and finances compared to other parts of the country,” Otimong noted.

Samuel Oduny, the City Councilor representing the elderly persons says, with the current stability in government and assured security, investors can easily be swayed into investing even in the most rural environments of the region.

Simon Wokorach, the Member of Parliament for Aswa County in Gulu District says, whereas investors are continuing to hunt for investment opportunities in Acholi sub-region, local leaders should ensure that the land acquisition protocol is observed so that the communities are not cheated of their land as has been the case in the past.

Recently, Ker Kwaro Acholi (KKA), the Acholi cultural institution and the Acholi Parliamentary Group (APG) tasked all the district councils in Acholi sub-region to pass out by-laws regulating land acquisition.

Several investors have tried to access land in the sub-region but faced stiff rejection from the community and local leaders on their approach to acquiring land.

The Madhvani Sugar Project in Lakang, Amuru district is among the investors whose projects dragged on for close to a decade before government finally took over the land.

Wokorach says, such past scenarios have also played a role in discouraging investors from coming to the sub-region.

“If we follow the right procedures, local leaders will not have any problems with the investors because they will be bringing money to our community members,” said Wokorach.

https://thecooperator.news/acholi-district-councils-tasked-to-enact-ordinances-to-protect-land/

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Relief as UNRA installs a ferry on River Semliki

NTOROKO – In a bid to ease transport and trade between Uganda and Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) is installing a ferry at Hayibale landing site on River Semliki in Rwebisengo, Ntoroko district that will connect the two countries.

The UNRA ferry Maintenance Manager, Joseph Wembabazi said, the ferry that will soon be operational will be in position to carry a load of not more than 35 tons and 100 passengers.

“Little works are remaining at Hayibale landing site and then we shall also work on Burasi landing site in DRC,” Wembabazi said.

Traders from Bunia in DRC have been using Lake Albert to travel to Ntoroko in Uganda as well as those from Uganda to Bunia which has been a long route.

While inspecting the ongoing works at Hayibale landing site, the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) overall Commander Operation Shujja, Maj. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga said, the ferry will create a multiplier effect in security and trade between the two counties.

“Once the ferry is operational, movement of personnel and materials to the theatre will be shortened,” Maj. Gen. Kayanja said.

The King of Mitego Kingdom,Omukama Rutahaba Ibanda, who led a delegation from DRC, explained difficulties his people face while coming to Uganda through Lake Albert to Ntoroko.

“The Hema of Congo and Batuku of Uganda are kinsmen and cattle keepers who interact on a daily basis. My people have been having difficulties traveling from Bunia crossing Lake Albert to Ntoroko, now that the ferry is here, we are going to abandon the longer and risky route to this one,” the Omukama Rutahaba said.

He commended the cooperation between the two presidents for enabling the two countries to cooperate and live in a peaceful coexistence.

The Chairperson LCI Hayibale village, Moses Bongaliya said, since the construction of the ferry started, the village people have been enjoying this development by selling their goods and enjoying the newly constructed road connecting Hayibale landing site to Bundibugyo tarmac road.

“My people are very happy with this development. The tarmac road has been upgraded and now the ferry, will shorten the distance to our relatives in Congo. We appreciate the government of Uganda for this development,” Bongaliya said.

The construction of a ferry on River Semliki comes at a time when UPDF together with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) are hunting Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists in Virunga and Ituri impenetrable forests.

This operation has had a challenge of difficult terrain with steep hills, valleys, numerous rivers and poor roads prolonging lines of communication.

It is predicted that once the ferry becomes operational, communication will be shortened which will increase the trust to eliminate ADF from Eastern DRC.

https://thecooperator.news/uganda-south-sudan-authorities-concerned-over-continuous-illegal-trade-across-borders/

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The post Relief as UNRA installs a ferry on River Semliki appeared first on The Cooperator News.