AMURU, UGANDA: The Minister for Security Rtd. Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi has dismissed as false, reports suggesting thay it plans to give the disputed Apaa land to a South African investor.
“I want to dispel the allegations that the government gave or intends to give the Apaa land to an investor and that we are lying about the game reserve and forest to give the land to a South African investor; that is not true,” Muhwezi said while attending a high profile meeting over Apaa Land conflicts at Amuru District headquarters last Wednesday.
His comments followed statements raised by some Acholi leaders including Kilak South MP Hon. Gilbert Olanya that plans by the government to hand over the land to the foreign investor were in advanced stages.
“The land of Apaa was given to an investor called Bruce Martins from South Africa and now the government is trying to use UWA [Uganda Wildlife Authority], NFA [National Forestry Authority], police and soldiers to displace people to secure the land and give it to the investor and this is one fact that you will not run away from,” Mr Olanya said.
However, following the legislator’s comments, Minister Muhwezi challenged him to provide the details of the contract signed between the government and the investor.
“I ask the leaders not to make inflammatory statements that can polarise the people. As we move to solve the land problem of the forest reserve and the game reserve, the people must remain peaceful and no one should cause insecurity,” he said.
Whereas Acholi leaders have urged the government to consider de-gazetting the area as part of a solution to end the conflict, the government insists that this is not possible.
Ms Rukia Nakadama, the Third Deputy Prime Minister who also attended the meeting said de-gazetting the disputed Apaa land would present legal complexities.
“The degazettement of the reserve may not be achieved in the immediate future because it requires amendment of the laws by Parliament. On one hand, if this happens, it sets a bad precedent, we have many areas around the country where people have encroached and are game reserves or parks, and we are yet to secure them,” Ms Nakadama said.
The development comes at the backdrop of an eviction notice issued by government ordering residents currently settled in the disputed Apaa land.
According to the notice seen and published by this website, the occupants must on the contested land must vacate within three months or be forcefully evicted.
Additionally, the Apaa Central market must be closed by the Local Government ministry within one month.
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