Otuke residents demand Shs 1.9bln for lost land
At least 56 people in Adwari town council in Otuke district are demanding compensation of Shs 1.9 billion for 341 acres of land housing Adwari Secondary School.
The claimants led by Grace Okar have asked Otuke County MP Paul Omara to follow up the process of their compensation arising out of the alleged forceful takeover of their land.
“On behalf of the claimants, I write to request that through your office, you lead us to deliver our petition to the First Lady and minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni to follow up on our compensation,” Okar said.
Okar identified the delegation as Akello Grace, Otema Caesar Jogo, Okwir Boniface, Imat Mary Ogal, Imat Veronica Ajwang, and Ogwang Silvestor.
Five years ago, the claimants raised a red flag over the said land in Otuke district, claiming it was forcefully taken and leased by government decades ago without following the rightful land acquisition procedures.
The land, according to the information available, was surveyed in 2018 by government staff surveyor, Gerald Mugalu, and the compensation was sanctioned.
“The purpose of this communication is to forward to you the survey report to perusal and further action,” the letter signed by E.W Ogaro for the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development,” read.
The letter was directed to the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education and Sports, Ketty Lamaro and copied to the minister of education, lands, and government chief valuer. The communication was made on February 2020.
“Having considered all the relevant factors affecting the property market within Adwari Town council we are of the considered opinion that the total compensation award of Shs 1.9bln be broken down,” Ogaro said.
He suggested that to give the detail of the compensation award, Shs 1.5bln be allotted for lands and Shs 450 million earmarked as disturbance allowance which is 30 percent of the compensation money.
Okar said the compensation has since been delayed and a number of claimants have become older while others have died due to stress and poverty.
“This is a matter of urgency because some people have become weaker, others died,” she said.
MP Omara said he has received the petition and as a member of the Budget Committee of Parliament, he will pursue and ensure that the money is included in the 2023/2024 budget.
https://thecooperator.news/world-bank-builds-a-shs2-billion-school-in-otuke/
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