Evaluating the land acquisition process and its arising challenges in Uganda. Case study: (Kinawataka - Kasokoso land in Kampala)

Abstract

Land acquisitions throughout Africa are largely driven by a rise in investments in land triggered by increased global demand for energy, minerals and oil resources, food and infrastructure due to rapid population growth, but also land needs for hosting people affected by natural disasters, wars and conflict, and environmental preservation, conservation and restoration. In line with Uganda’s Vision 2040, which calls for the productive use of national resources and the development of infrastructure to promote sustainable economic development, land acquisitions are predominantly driven by public and private sector projects in the development of infrastructure for electricity generation, transmission and distribution, roads, mineral and petroleum extraction, agricultural investments, among others, but also displacement caused by man-made and natural disasters. The power to compulsorily acquire land by the government of Uganda is preserved in the Land Acquisition Act1965 and constitution of Uganda 1995 under Article 26. The provision in this Land Acquisition Act facilitates the government to compulsorily acquire land smoothly until a critical provision under section 7 was expunged by both the constitutional and Supreme Court in 2014. This provision implies that after an award of compensation has been made by the assessor, the government takes possession of the land. This research study sought to evaluate the land acquisition process and its arising challenges in Uganda. This research study was based on a case study and a non-experimental cross-sectional design.105 respondents were selected by means of purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Questionnaires were issued to these respondents. Data obtained from the field was analyzed using Microsoft Excel in form of graphs, tables and charts. Research revealed that there was truly set land acquisition procedures set by the government and these are found in the Land Acquisition Act (1998), However, these procedures are violated when it comes to practice hence making the process inefficient. The research also showed that there are various challenges faced by PAPs like low payments, delayed payments, inadequate sensitization, language barrier. Further, technical officers (valuers and officials from NWSC) also faced a number of challenges like, dissatisfactions from PAPs, language barrier, un up compensation rates etc. Lastly, the research generated a number of recommendations like, increased sensitization, setting up grievance redress committees etc.