Keep off our land – Otunnu warns Museveni
By George Murumba
3rd Sept 2012:
Dr Olara Otunnu - FILE PHOTO
Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party President Dr. Olara Otunnu spoken out strongly against what some have termed “land-grabbing” in the north by unscrupulous investors, some of whom (like Madhivani) President Museveni has been trying to help to acquire land in the north for sugarcane growing.
“…What we are talking about is a fundamental issue of human rights, the confiscation of property that belongs to the local people because they are poor, vulnerable and because they have been in concentration camps for 20 years or so.” Otunnu said.
The UPC leader said the people of the area requested him several weeks ago to echo their anguish and plight. “…I have tried to do that…at a national level but also internationally. I am here to appeal to the nation, to appeal to the international community, to rally with the people of Amuru to defend their land.” the UPC president said.
Otunnu also warned that the case of land-grabbing in Amuru is only the first parting shot. “…If Amuru goes, Purongo will go, Aswa Ranch will go, Palukok will go, Acolpii will go.” Otunnu warned.
Otunnu said there are also pitch battles for grabbing land from locals in Otuke, Karamoja, and West Nile. “…This is a scheme all over the country. We must fight for the right of the people. We must let them retain the only asset they have in their hand.” Otunnu counselled.
He said they have no problems with companies and private investors who want land in the north, before quickly warning that, “…but investors must come, put their offers before the local people, negotiate directly with the people, and arrive at whatever arrangement they do consensually.”
Otunnu said the only asset or equity that the local people have and bring to the table is their land, while the private investor may bring capital, expertise, or machinery and they work out the equity to be apportioned to each party in the deal.
He also said President Museveni should have any role in such negotiations. “…He doesn’t own any land here. This land does not belong to the government. He is not a spokesman for any company. He has no business in assigning the land here to anybody.” Otunnu declared.
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