Government Asks Landowners to Allow Unyama Irrigation Scheme to Proceed Amid Compensation Impasse

The Ugandan government has appealed to residents in Gulu and Amuru districts to permit the construction of the multi-billion Unyama Irrigation Scheme to begin, even as negotiations over land compensation continue. Implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment, the major agricultural initiative spans across 7,000 hectares and impacts 103 households along the banks of River Unyama.

Funded through loans from the Islamic Development Bank, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, and state coffers under the Farm Income Enhancement and Forest Conservation Programme Phase Three (FIEFOC-3), the project has already engaged Ambitious Construction Limited as the primary contractor. However, progress has hit a snag over a total of Shs2.8 billion demanded by project-affected persons.

Landowners argue that a 2016 government valuation pricing an acre at Shs1.5 million is outdated and inadequate. Residents are instead pushing for at least Shs3 million per acre to reflect current market realities and land appreciation. Local leaders, including Patiko Sub-county chairperson Patrick Komakech, noted that while the community heavily supports the agricultural initiative, fair compensation remains a non-negotiable prerequisite.

Government officials have acknowledged the legitimacy of the grievances. Patrick Okotel, the manager of the Multipurpose and Bulk Water Development Department in northern Uganda, urged locals to allow the works to proceed while financial arrangements are finalized, noting that the contractor has been positioned on-site since May 2025. Meanwhile, traditional leaders like Pawel Chiefdom head Rwot Baptist Latim have stepped forward to mediate the dispute, emphasizing the vital role the irrigation scheme will play in helping farmers combat unpredictable weather patterns.

Read more details in the original report by the Daily Monitor.