Residents who were evicted from Sango Bay land have accused the government of neglecting them after failing to compensate them, despite the ongoing palm tree plantation project on the land they once called home.
The affected residents claim that whenever they attempt to voice their grievances, they are met with brutal force, including arrests, beatings, and even confiscation of their livestock.
The complaints were made directly to the State Minister for Lands, Dr. Sam Mayanja, who visited the area to inspect the progress of the government-backed palm tree project.
However, the minister urged the residents to remain patient, assuring them that compensation would be processed soon.
Sango Bay land, covering approximately 247 square miles, was home to about 10,000 residents who relied on farming and livestock rearing for their livelihoods.
However, in 2023, the government ordered their eviction to pave the way for investors granted permission to cultivate palm trees, a move aimed at boosting local production of essential goods such as soap and cooking oil.
Despite assurances of compensation, many of the evicted families claim they have received nothing, with some accusing investors of unlawfully taking over their land.
As the palm tree plantation project gains momentum, tensions remain high, prompting Minister Mayanja’s visit to assess the situation.
He inspected the land to confirm that no private property had been encroached upon and to ensure that the investor had not crossed into neighbouring Tanzania, which shares a border with the project area.
Led by their local leaders, the displaced residents expressed their frustration, saying they had been abandoned by the government.
They alleged that whenever they raised concerns about the palm tree project, they were met with violent repression.
"We have become strangers in our own country. Our complaints are ignored, and when we try to speak up, we are beaten, arrested, and our cattle are taken away," lamented Francis Kizza , the Chairperson of Kyebe Sub-county.
His concerns were echoed by Joseph Kagame , a local councillor, who questioned the government’s commitment to compensating the affected families.
"We are beginning to wonder whether the compensation will ever come. How long are we supposed to wait?" he asked.
In response to these concerns, Ignatius Tumwesiga, the head of the palm tree planting project, dismissed the claims, stating that most of the affected residents had already been compensated. He further refuted allegations of harassment, branding them as baseless rumours.
However, Minister Mayanja took a more cautious approach, instructing Kyotera Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Apollo Tugume to review the compensation lists to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries were accounted for.
He warned that any individual found to be making fraudulent claims would be arrested and prosecuted.
"We will not allow any false claims. Those who deserve compensation will get it, but anyone found lying about their entitlement will face legal consequences," Mayanja stated.
Despite the ongoing disputes, the minister urged residents to embrace the palm tree project, emphasizing that it would bring development to the region and create economic opportunities.
"This project is going to transform Kyotera. Instead of resisting it, let’s work together to ensure our people benefit," he added.
According to officials, the project aims to cultivate 18,000 acres of palm trees, with a large-scale processing plant expected to be built in the region.
This facility will play a key role in palm oil production, positioning Uganda as a major player in the sector.
While the government remains optimistic about the project’s benefits, the plight of the displaced residents continues to cast a shadow over its implementation.
Until the compensation issue is fully resolved, tensions between the government, investors, and former land occupants are likely to persist.