UGANDA

COMPENDIUM OF CONFLICTS IN UGANDA
many of the protestors, led by Dr. Kizza Besigye, turned to violent tactics that caused mass
insecurity in affected towns and the loss of lives and properties. 218 Participants in all the
districts involved in the NRTJ Audit confirmed that Uganda is not at peace in economic
terms, due to increasing inflation that affects individuals, families and the entire country.
35. Conflicts between investors and local communities (ongoing)
Around the country, participants highlighted conflicts between investors and
communities. In Tororo, for example, there are several land conflicts between investors
and the local communities. There are efforts by Madhvani Group of Companies (one
of the largest Indian-owned companies in Uganda), with the support of Government,
to push people off a 26 sqkm piece of land in Osukuru Sub-County and Rubongi Sub-
County, allegedly in order to allow for phosphate exploitation. Participants became
especially distressed and angry during a discussion of Madhvani’s alleged attempts to
appropriate people’s land. One participant said,
“You see, land, is something that is very precious to us in
Bukedi region, or particularly Tororo. If you lose a piece of
land you are the poorest, because all of our dependency is
on land.” 219
Madhvani was accused of trying to connive with a few district leaders to strong-arm
people into selling their land. The area’s Member of Parliament advised people to lease
their land, but not sell it.
Other companies such as Tororo Cement Industries (TCI) were also blamed for conflicts in
the region. Participants claimed that big companies, including TCI, use the land in Tororo
and pollute the area at the expense of the local community. One participant stated; “All
the good jobs are all taken by Indians and Kenyans.” Participants also regretted that the
big companies are not accessible for dialogue. Tororo Cement Industries pays unskilled
labourers 4000 shillings [less than US$2.00] per day without food and water, yet they
work for over eight hours. Participants said that the work conditions are terrible, as
labourers do not receive protective gear or appointment letters. 220
In Nakasongola, absentee landlords reportedly sold land to private investors who
subsequently evicted tenants with no compensation or resettlement assistance.
Government officials have also been implicated in buying up land from absentee
landlords and engaging in forceful evictions. 221 In Mukono, violent clashes erupted
between local communities and the police when they demonstrated against the selling
of Mabira Forest to Mehta group, a sugar cane corporation. 222
218 Research conducted in Hoima and Bulambuli Districts
219 Research conducted in Tororo District
220 Ibid
221 Research conducted in Nakasongola District
222 Research conducted in Hoima and Mukono Districts
106