UGANDA, Hoima | Real Muloodi News | The Education and Sports Committee of Parliament has opposed a government proposal to acquire 100 acres of land for Bunyoro University at USh4.9 billion, citing concerns over the cost associated with the land purchase.
The land, located in Buhimba Town Council, Hoima City, was offered by Dr Henry Wamani, a resident of Hoima.
The proposed deal requires the government to pay USh4.9 billion as compensation for Dr Wamani’s pine tree plantation on the land.
Jacob Karubanga, Chairperson of the Bunyoro Parliamentary Caucus, explained that 20 acres are immediately available for development.
The remaining 80 acres can be accessed under two conditions: if the university waits 15 years until the trees are harvested, the government will acquire the land at no additional cost; if the land is needed before, USh4.9 billion must be paid for the trees.
“Infrastructure development can take up to 15 years, and this land has a freehold tenure. It was rated as the most suitable piece of land by the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development for hosting the university,” Karubanga said.
However, members of the Education and Sports Committee raised concerns about the land purchase deal. Geoffrey Macho, MP for Busia Municipality, criticised the high cost of the trees, suggesting the government explore more affordable land options.
“A university can be situated anywhere in Bunyoro; we cannot buy trees more expensively than the cost of land,” Macho stated.
Michael Kakembo, MP for Entebbe Municipality, argued that the land is not free if the government must pay for the trees.
“He [Wamani] is telling us the land is free but at the same time asking us to buy his trees. The land is not free, and it is expensive,” Kakembo noted.
Phillips Lokwang, MP for Napore West, expressed concerns over potential legal disputes, citing past cases where land donations were later contested.
“There was a case in Soroti where land offered for a school was reclaimed years later,” Lokwang said.
Namayingo Woman MP, Margaret Makoha, emphasised the importance of securing a land title to ensure government ownership.
“Donated land without a title is contentious. Ownership is important to safeguard government investments,” she said.
The committee advised the government to reconsider the deal and explore alternative land purchase options that offer better value and security.
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