The government has announced it will finally compensate residents of Buvuma District for land acquired from them 14 years ago. Buvuma, which was carved out of Mukono  District in 2010 to improve service delivery, is an island district in Lake Victoria whose inhabitants primarily rely on fishing.
While the land in Buvuma is fertile, many locals have not engaged in large-scale farming. To promote commercial agriculture, the government appealed to landowners across the district's nine sub-counties to voluntarily lease their land for oil palm growing, with a promise of royalties.
However, for the last 14 years, the government has not paid the agreed compensation for the acquired land, despite a presidential directive to do so. This failure to pay has caused significant frustration, leading residents to repeatedly petition the President for their money.
Today, State Minister for Lands, Dr Sam Mayanja, accompanied by other officials, travelled to Buvuma to address the issue. He informed a gathering at Maggyo village that the funds had been secured and that all affected persons would be paid within a few days from today, before January 3rd, 2026.
The minister's announcement was met with mixed reactions. While some residents expressed relief, others were visibly agitated, brandishing documents and detailing the hardships caused by losing their land for over a decade without payment.
Rebecca Atwine, the President's Assistant for Political Affairs, urged calm among the residents. She assured them that Minister Mayanja had been specifically dispatched to resolve their long-standing issue conclusively.
Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho (Salim Saleh), is also monitoring the matter. He dispatched a team from his office to conduct further investigations, as confirmed by his official, Sylvia Ntambi.
Local leaders, including LC5 Chairperson Waswa Dungu and area Member of Parliament Robert Migadde, were present. They have vowed to follow up closely to ensure their constituents are paid as promised.
Minister Mayanja issued a final warning, stating that the President had written a directive on December 27th ordering the payment. He cautioned that anyone attempting to obstruct the disbursement of the 14 billion shillings earmarked for the people would be arrested.
Minister Mayanja concluded with a firm assurance to the people of Buvuma:every person who gave their land for the oil palm project will be compensated, and they will share in the future profits generated from that very land.
President Yoweri Museveni is scheduled to visit Buvuma District on January 3rd, as part of his ongoing consultations ahead of the 2026-2031 national leadership elections.
