Civil society organisations have asked government to conduct nation wide consultative meetings before it embarks on the new proposed amendments to the land law that seeks to provide for compulsory acquisition of land for government developments.
The new proposed amendment to the law stipulates that where a land owner disagrees with the amount of money valued on a property, government carries on with its development plan pending negotiations with the affected person. This however, contravenes article 273 of the constitution.
According to the executive director of Uganda Food Rights Alliance, Agnes Kirabo, a panelist at the debate, Ugandans are not opposed to development, but the problem is the manner in which government conducts its business in regard to land and compensation.
The Minister of lands betty Amongi lauded the Uganda women net network for mobilizing women from the markets to take part in the land debate. Amongi said the concerns raised by members of the public in regard to the proposed land amendments will be dealt with with caution
The proposals in the Bill have generated a nationwide debate, with the move being interpreted by many as maneuver that will fuel land grabbing and evictions in the country.