Govt seeks land for multi-billion Unyama Irrigation Scheme

The government has asked individuals whose land has been identified for the construction of the multi-billion shillings Unyama Irrigation Scheme on the banks of River Unyama, to allow the project to go ahead as it looks for funds for compensation.

The irrigation scheme being constructed by the Ministry of Water and Environment is located in the districts of Gulu and Amuru, and will affect 103 households who own a total of 7,000 hectares.

The project affected persons are demanding Shs2.8 billion in compensation before they can surrender their land for the project.

A valuation for the land conducted in 2016 by the government chief valuer, puts the value of an acre of land at Shs1.5 million. However, the land owners are demanding for not less than Shs3 million as compensation for an acre of land.

The project will be funded with loans secured from the Islamic Development Bank, and additional contributions from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa and the Government of Uganda.

The project is being implemented under the Farm Income Enhancement and Forest Conservation Programme Phase Three (FIEFOC-3).

The ministry has since contracted Ambitious Construction Limited to undertake the multibillion project.

Mr Santo Onek, one of the affected land owners, said he is not happy with the government plans to pay his family only Shs317 million for their 153-acre piece of land.

“I don’t know how the government valuer arrived at Shs1.5 million for an acre piece of land. That money is really very small. I wish government could pay us at least Shs3 million for an acre,” he said.

Mr Anthony Ojok, the prime minister of Pawel Chiefdom, who is also affected by the project, said the money government is offering as compensation is too little. According to Mr Ojok, the land valued more than five years ago has appreciated.

“The value of an acre of land three years ago is lower than the ones now. Therefore, government needs to get serious and compensate land owners adequately,” he said.

Mr Patrick Komakech, the Patiko Sub-county chairperson, also agreed, adding that the project affected persons are  willing to give their land for the irrigation scheme once they receive meaningful compensation.

“Our people are eager to see the project succeed. The only challenge is the rate at which the government wants to pay for the land for the project,” he said.

The value of land in rural areas in Acholi sub-region varies. In some areas, an acre of land goes for Shs800,000, while in other places, one can cost up to Shs10 million an acre.

Mr Peter Okot, the Gulu District vice chairperson, urged the government to negotiate with the land owners and agree on reasonable rate so that the project can go ahead.

Mr Patrick Okotel, the manager of Multipurpose and Bulk Water Development Department in northern Uganda, expressed concern that the new demands by the land owners is likely delay the project further.

Mr Okotel revealed that the contractor received part of the funds for the project way back in May 2025.

“I appeal to land owners to allow the project to go ahead as government prepares to compensate them. This is a big project that will improve the livelihoods of our people. Their concerns are genuine and government will take that into consideration,” he said.

Rwot Baptist Latim, the head of Pawel Chiefdom, offered to mediate the land matter between the government and the affected individuals, saying the irrigation scheme will enable farmers overcome unpredictable weather patterns.