Overview:
Uganda's government secures 10,000 acres in Moroto for an industrial park, which will include a new cement manufacturing plant by Tororo Cement and other diverse industries.
MOROTO, Uganda — The Ugandan government has finalized the acquisition of 10,000 acres of community-owned land in the Moroto District for the establishment of a major industrial park, a move officials say will unlock significant economic potential in the Karamoja sub-region.
The land, secured from the Naita-A-Tepeth Communal Land Association, is earmarked to attract investment in various sectors, including mining and industry. While the initial focus includes facilitating the establishment of Uganda’s first clinker factory by Tororo Cement, the broader vision is to create a hub for diverse industrial activities.
The acquisition process, which involved over a year of consultations and negotiations, was spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, following a directive from President Yoweri Museveni to spur development in Karamoja. The government emphasized a transparent approach that respected customary land ownership and incorporated the views of local elders, district leaders, the Catholic Church, and the wider Naita-A-Tepeth community.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Kampala on Friday, Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba, who represented Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, underscored President Museveni’s foresight in initiating the project. She highlighted the potential of the industrial park to transform the region’s economy.
Nabakooba explained that her ministry was tasked in February 2024 with fast-tracking the land acquisition between the community and potential investors. “My ministry immediately took on the assignment by convening a meeting of all the key stakeholders… We made a community visit to Katikekile in Moroto to consult with the community but also see the land in question, hear the community concerns and build confidence of the project. The community was receptive,” she stated.
The Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) played a crucial role in facilitating the agreement and attracting the initial investment. Director General of the UIA, Robert Mukiza, emphasized the strategic importance of the industrial park in diversifying Uganda’s economy and creating employment opportunities in the Karamoja region. He noted that the UIA would continue to work closely with the government and potential investors to ensure the park’s success.
The acquired 10,000 acres belonged to the Naita-A-Tepeth Communal Land Association. Nabakooba detailed the government’s commitment to supporting the project by covering the costs of surveying, demarcation, and titling the land.
“Of the 10,000 acres, it was agreed that the investor be sold off 500 acres in freehold on the part where the factory is being established. This was duly done; the community was paid and the title was handed over to the investor,” Nabakooba explained. The government also secured a 49-year lease for the remaining 9,450 acres, intended for various industrial uses within the park.
Nabakooba urged future investors to engage positively with the local community, providing opportunities for employment, business, and protecting the environment. She also called on the community to support the investors.
She acknowledged the contributions of President Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, the Attorney General’s office, Moroto District leaders, the Naita-A-Tepeth leadership, and the technical teams in the lands ministry and the UIA.
The land titles involved include freehold titles for the Naita-A-Tepeth Communal Land Association and institutional titles for local entities.
The establishment of the industrial park, with the UIA actively involved in attracting and supporting investors, is anticipated to bring significant economic and social benefits to the Moroto District and contribute to Uganda’s overall industrial growth.