State Minister for Lands, Dr. Sam Mayanja, has issued a directive for the immediate compensation of individuals occupying land within the Sango Bay Estate Limited area to prevent disruptions to the ongoing oil palm project. The minister made the announcement during an inspection of the 26,500-hectare land allocated to BIDCO Oil Refineries for oil palm cultivation and the construction of a palm oil refinery. Â
The Sango Bay land was leased to Sango Bay Estate Limited in 1933, but disputes arose over the years as some individuals claimed ownership of parts of the land. In March 2020, the Cabinet approved a partnership with BIDCO to develop the area for oil palm production, aiming to boost Uganda’s economy. Â
During his visit, Dr. Mayanja was briefed by Kyotera Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Apollo Mugume and other district leaders about the progress of the project. He emphasized that the land  for Sango Bay is clear and that no other claims exist. The minister also inspected the land  to confirm its authenticity. Â
District leaders, including Chairman Kisekulo Kintu, raised concerns about unresolved land disputes and the need to compensate affected individuals. Kintu urged the government to expedite the compensation process to avoid conflicts and ensure the smooth implementation of the project. Â
Dr. Mayanja assured the community that the government is committed to resolving all land issues and compensating those affected. He directed the RDC to ensure that all pending compensations are processed promptly. Â
Ignatius Tumwesiga, a representative of BIDCO, revealed that over 1,800 farmers have been trained and are ready to cultivate oil palm, which will be purchased by the company. He highlighted the project’s potential to transform Uganda’s economy and establish the country as a leading palm oil producer in Africa. Â
The Sango Bay Oil Palm Project is expected to significantly contribute to Uganda’s economic growth, creating jobs and boosting agricultural productivity. However, the success of the project hinges on resolving land disputes and ensuring fair compensation for all affected parties. Â
