Moroto varsity construction stalls over compensation

The construction of Gulu University Constituent College of Agriculture in Moroto has failed to take off three years later, following delayed compensation of the land owners.
Daily Monitor has learnt that 200 families are demanding Shs6b in compensation.
When government in 2016 unveiled a plan to establish a branch of Gulu University in Karamoja Sub-region, Moroto District Council, quickly identified more 500 acres of land for the project.
Mr Mohamed Khalid, the spokesperson for Gulu University, on Wednesday said the construction of the institution has been frustrated by some political leaders.
“We are already consulting for an alternative place if the leaders of Moroto and Karamoja at large cannot understand that the university is a good institution FOR them,” he said.
Mr Khalid said the management of the constituent college has not yet received a master plan because of the bickering.
He added that the establishment of Gulu University Constituent College of Agriculture in Moroto, was a directive from President Museveni and aimed at addressing issues of hunger in Karamoja.
Besides the college of agriculture, other diploma and short courses would be included to suit the demand of the local community.
Mr John Baptist Loki, the Member of Parliament for Matheniko County, faulted the management of the college for not being honest.
“We have not frustrated the construction of the college, what we want is our money and the work will commence,” Mr Loki explained.
Mr Loki said the government sent its chief valuer to value the land and that the said officer has not returned to give them the exact monetary value of their land.
“They want to start work and yet we have not even signed any document with the management of the college as a fall back in case they fail to pay us in future,” he added.