The Ministry of Lands has intervened to suspend a land acquisition process by Terra Agri Solutions Ltd, which aimed to secure approximately nine square miles of land for agricultural development in Agago district. Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba ordered the suspension in response to complaints from locals, expressing concerns about possible land grabbing and lack of consultation with rightful landowners and clan leaders.
In a letter dated January 4, Minister Nabakooba emphasized the need to address the grievances raised by local communities and ensure that the land acquisition process is conducted transparently and in accordance with legal procedures. The Ministry instructed the investor to withdraw temporarily, allowing the Ministry of Lands and district local governments to verify land ownership, conduct surveys, and register the landowners within a two-month period.
Despite the suspension, Minister Nabakooba reiterated the government’s commitment to seizing the opportunity for development, emphasizing the importance of conducting the process diligently to avoid conflicts and ensure equitable distribution of resources.
Last October, President Museveni convened a meeting with representatives of Terra Agri Solutions Ltd, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), and clan leaders from Lapono, Omiya Pacwa, and Orom sub-counties to discuss the proposed agricultural project. However, Agago leaders disassociated themselves from the representatives of the landowners, raising concerns about the lack of genuine consultation.
Terra Agri Solutions Ltd aims to lease customary land for commercial agriculture as part of the Parish to Market socio-economic transformation program in the Acholi Sub-region, impacting several sub-counties in Agago district. While numerous clans expressed interest in renting out land for the project, Agago District Chairman Leonard Opio urged the Ministry of Lands to conduct a thorough investigation to validate the claims and ensure the rights of landowners are protected.
The land dispute has heightened tensions in the area, with concerns raised about potential insecurity and targeted attacks on those involved in land transactions. Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo cautioned the Ministry of Lands against facilitating irregular land acquisition processes, emphasizing the importance of addressing community grievances and conducting transparent and lawful transactions to foster development and prevent conflict in the region.
