news 22 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Illiteracy Fuels Dispute Over Shs22.5b Moroto Cement Compensation
Around 140 Moroto residents have accused officials of misusing Shs22.5 billion in land compensation funds for Tororo Cement's clinker plant, blaming illiteracy for their inability to oversee the process. They demand an audit and halt to further payments amid claims of election spending and personal gains. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/illiteracy-cited-in-shs22b-moroto-cement-land-compensation-row-5433222
A group of about 140 landowners in Moroto District has written to President Museveni, alleging mismanagement of Shs22.5 billion meant to compensate roughly 8,000 members of the Naita-A-Tepeth Communal Land Association (CLA) for land used by Tororo Cement Ltd’s clinker plant.
The government disbursed an initial Shs2 billion last November, with the balance slated for the upcoming financial year. Petitioners claim forged records were used to fake payments, and illiterate members, including CLA chairperson Elijah Lomiat, struggle to track the funds due to dealings by educated officials.
Karamoja region’s literacy rate stands at just 25.4 percent per the 2024 Ubos census, the lowest in Uganda, leaving 74.6 percent illiterate and vulnerable. Accusations include officers diverting money to oppose NRM candidates in the 2026 elections, personal building projects, and vehicle purchases.
The petitioners urge halting pending disbursements, arresting suspects, and conducting an audit. They also oppose forceful evictions in villages like Nakomolwaret and Nakal, insisting full compensation remains unpaid.
SHACU’s Mariam Natasha said they await the petition before commenting. MP Albert Lokoru noted delays in project works due to compensation disputes, with locals demanding payment for surface rights.
Deputy RDC Justin Tuko insisted all were paid, citing President Museveni’s 2024 intervention at State House that set land lease at Shs10 million per acre, with government fronting funds repayable by the company.
Source: Daily Monitor