Mao, Otunnu rally Amuru over land

He said the land was protected by the Constitution and that President Museveni has no legal authority to take it.

UPC president Olara Otunnu and DP leader Norbert Mao have urged Amuru residents not to sign an agreement to lease their land for sugar cane growing.

The politicians said the demand by Madhvani to acquire more than 40,000 hectares for sugar cane growing is a well-orchestrated move to grab land.
Addressing some of the 300 landlords of Lakang and Kololo Village in Amuru Sub-county on Sunday, Mr Mao and Mr Otunnu urged residents to remain calm and wait for the Court of Appeal to hear the case.
“The court and Parliament are just witnesses to our struggle, the biggest contest is with the land owners,” Mr Otunnu said.

He said the land was protected by the Constitution and that President Museveni has no legal authority to take it.

President Museveni has in the past criticised politicians for frustrating investment, including the Amuru sugar cane project.

Mr Mao scoffed at last year’s ruling by the High Court in Gulu that the land is public hence should be given for cane growing.

“What annoyed me was failure by the judge to include in the ruling, the suffering of the people in the camp,” Mr Mao said.

The leaders also say there is high interest in the land because it reportedly lies in an oil belt.

When contacted for a comment, information minister Karooro Okurut referred this reporter to the Lands ministry.

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