A big step forward has been made for the people of Karamoja as the Naita-A-Tepeth Communal Land Association signed a lease agreement with the Government of Uganda. The deal, signed on May 2 at the Office of the Prime Minister, opens up 10,000 acres of land in Moroto District for a major cement project.
This agreement allows the government to use the land owned by the community for building Uganda’s first clinker factory, led by Tororo Cement. The clinker will be used in making cement, and until now, Uganda has been importing it from other countries, losing money in the process.
The deal was signed after more than a year of meetings and discussions between the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and the community, with full support from President Yoweri Museveni.
Hon. Judith Nabakooba, the Minister of Lands, played a big role in making this deal happen. She was asked by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja in February 2024 to fast-track the land talks. Nabakooba’s ministry worked with local leaders, elders, the Catholic Church, and community members to make sure everyone was heard.
She explained that 500 acres of the land were sold to Tororo Cement to build the factory, and the community was paid. The remaining 9,450 acres were leased to the government for 49 years, to be used for mining raw materials.
The Attorney General and Cabinet approved the lease, and the first payment of Shs 2 billion will be made immediately. The rest will be paid in the next financial year.
After the signing, land titles will be created under the Uganda Investment Authority. The community will still hold ownership of their freehold titles through the Communal Land Association.
Nabakooba said this project will bring jobs, business opportunities, and development to the area. She called on the investor to work closely with the community, protect the environment, and provide benefits for local people.
She also thanked many people who helped make this possible, including President Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni, local leaders, security forces, and officers from her ministry.
Factory Land, Over 3,800 hectares titled in the name of Naita-A-Tepeth Communal Land Association.
Community Institutions, Land for Kosiroi Primary School and Health Centre has been titled under Moroto District Local Government.
This lease marks a new beginning for Moroto and shows how government and communities can work together for development.
