Uganda: National oil palm project grabbed our land

More than 200 residents in the island district of Buvuma have raised concerns after the National Oil Palm Project (NOPP) allegedly used their land without compensation. The residents stormed the Buvuma district headquarters seeking government intervention to ensure that they are paid the money promised to them years ago when the oil palm growing project was established in the district. The project was embraced with open arms by the Buvuma community after the government promised them jobs, good roads, electricity, and many other benefits. These promises lured residents to willingly sign agreements. The highly affected residents are from Nairambi and Busamizi subcounties. The affected locals told us that they were stopped from using their land for farming without receiving a single penny. They want the government to provide them with money so that they can find other places to relocate. The angry locals say payments have been delayed since the evaluation, making their land ...