{UAH} Uganda land is not for sale

Land is the only asset and source of livelihood for the majority of Ugandans. In the absence of skills outside of agriculture Ugandans are better off sticking to their land. Anybody who advises you to sell all your land and start business is not a friend.

There is a campaign by Uganda government as announced by Amama Mbabazi to sell land to foreign farmers on the false belief that they will create jobs and hire previous owners of land. Modern farmers use machines to till the land, plant seeds, remove weeds, harvest and bag the final crop without hiring labor except a few truck drivers. Large scale farmers will produce for outside markets. Consequently, Uganda will run short of food and suffer unprecedented famines.  

Ugandans are therefore warned not to sell their land or go to the land court if you have been cheated. Chances are you will lose the case to the rich defendants. Land grab is a political issue, not a legal matter and will be resolved by political means.

It is understood that the Kabaka has agreed not to evict anybody from his realm. How many people are we talking about and how much land do they own? Please don't accept compensation because cash in the hand is like vapor. It will disappear as soon as you get it and you be left with no money, no land, no job.

The MOU must be handled with maximum care. It should be published for public comments because ultimately power to take the final decision resides with the people. Governments and institutions including traditional ones are created to serve the people. The Katikkiro of Buganda should clear the many ambiguities in his impromptu press statement on Friday August 1, 2013. We urge Baganda and all Ugandans at home and abroad to stay engaged and follow closely all developments regarding this matter. We must above all stand together.

Eric