UGANDA

WESTERN CONFLICTS
million barrels of oil. 461 This is regarded as the reason for the growing number of land
disputes between local communities and powerful politicians and military officials.
The rising value of land in the area, and the prospect that landowners might receive
high compensation when the construction of oil infrastructure begins, has motivated
powerful individuals to obtain land, often coercively. 462 One land conflict arose in 2011
around an area Government claimed for the construction of military barracks. This was
met with disbelief and rejection by the local inhabitants. 463
106. Conflict in Bunyoro over lack of information and transparency
The discovery of oil has caused conflict between the Government and local communities.
Locals alleged exclusion from projects run by both the Government and oil companies.
They say there has been a lack of Government transparency, accessibility, and
accountability with regards to oil in Bunyoro, particularly related to the likely benefits or
detrimental consequences surrounding the discovery of oil on their land. A participant
said, “We only see big vehicles passing; spoiling our roads and now we hear that they
are going to construct an oil refinery.” 464 Furthermore, Government officials allegedly
exploited the ignorance of the local people
regarding the real value of their land,
and bought it cheaply, displacing many
people without adequate compensation.
Participants expressed a lot of fear with
regard to the discovery of oil in their region.
207
107. Conflict between communities,
Government officials and the
Balaalo pastoralists
The discovery of oil has increased levels of
suspicion towards both Government officials
and the Balaalo (Banyarwanda pastoralist
cattle owners who move with their cattle
around the country) among community
members, especially in Ntoroko District.
Participants suspected that the Government
has a hidden agenda to strategically settle
the migrants in areas rich in oil deposits, so
that it can bring those areas under statecontrol.
This suspicion is strengthened by
the alleged purchase of huge chunks of land
by very influential high-ranking Government
461 Matsiko, H. (2012) Land grabbing in oil region. The Independent, [Internet], 27 May. Available
from: [Accessed 22 April
2012]
462 Ibid
463 Research conducted in Hoima District
464 Ibid