The Minister of State for Agriculture Hon. Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, has revealed that government is set to pay over UGX 24 billion to people affected by the National Oil Palm Project (NOPP) in Buvuma district and Sango Bay in Kyotera district.
Min Kyakulaga noted that the compensation follows a directive by President Yoweri Museveni to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) and the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development to undertake a verification exercise to identity and verify Project Affected Persons (PAPS) affected by the NOPP project in the two areas.
“Their land was valued using the Government Valuer, with the knowledge and cooperation of the affected persons. An amount of UGX 52 Billion worked out as required for compensation of the PAPS” he said.
Min Kyakulaga who made the remarks while addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on Friday, revealed that part of the payment has already been received by MAAIF.
“Out of the UGX 52bn required, MAAIF has received UGX 24bn, of which UGX 14bn has been allocated to compensate PAPS in Buvuma while UGX 10bn is to compensate PAPS in Sango Bay” he noted.
Min Kyakulaga further said MAAIF has made full payments to 301 PAPS in the five villages of Bubembe, Bwaka, Buwanga, Mbekete and Ndayiga in Buvuma District.
“The ministry expects to pay a total of 1,405 PAPs in 11 villages, disclosure to the PAPS in Buvuma has been completed and payment will be done in a phased manner, as guided by H.E the President’s directives” he said.
Min Kyakulaga noted that the ministry of lands is still carrying out disclosure to the project affected people in Sango Bay.
“Once the report is submitted, payment will be effected. Government is committed to ensuring that all the funds required to complete the compensation exercise are released” he said.
