Ministry Of Finance Releases Shs. 100 Millions To Drive Ranch 11 Community Resettlement

By Kundu Ronald

Kiryandongo District, Uganda - October 14, 2023

In a watershed moment for the Ranch 11 communities, the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development has made a significant financial commitment, bringing the promise of permanent resettlement closer to reality. On September 25, 2023, Hon. Karubanga Jacob Ateenyi, the Member of Parliament for Kibanda South, sent a letter to the Minister of Finance, reminding the government of a commitment made by the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury to allocate funds for the Ranch 11 resettlement initiative. His plea for action was heard, and the funds were officially released on October 10, 2023, marking a significant milestone in addressing the prolonged land disputes in the area.

The Ministry of Finance's release of 100,000,000 Ugandan shillings in its second-quarter budget allocation is set to be a game-changer for the Nubian and Kibyama communities on Ranch 11. This financial infusion is designed to fund the process of opening boundaries and facilitating the long-awaited resettlement. The 100 million shillings disbursed represents half of the allocated budget, with the remaining 100 million shillings scheduled to be released in the third quarter of the fiscal year.

Hon. Karubanga Jacob Ateenyi, who played a pivotal role in advocating for the release of funds, expressed his gratitude to the government for honoring its commitment to providing permanent residence for the affected communities. The allocated funds, originally intended for release during the 2022/2023 financial year, had faced delays, leading to skepticism within the affected communities. This financial commitment is expected to breathe new life into the Ranch 11 resettlement process, offering a ray of hope for the affected communities.

A Historical Struggle for Resettlement

The Ranch 11 communities have endured a protracted and tumultuous history of land disputes dating back to the early 20th century. The first major conflict arose in 1911 when individuals living within what is now the Murchison Falls Game Park were relocated southward to make way for the park's creation. This relocation resulted in significant land losses for both people and institutions. In addition, the park was gazetted for individuals residing in the southern region of the Bunyoro Game Reserve.

Subsequent conflicts emerged with the establishment of the Karuma Wildlife Reserve, leading to a series of land disputes. The situation reached a head in 1968 when an aerial survey was conducted to delineate the disputed "Mawanda" boundary. Regrettably, no topographical survey was undertaken at that time, resulting in boundary disputes that flared into violent conflicts in later years.

During the turbulent era of Idi Amin's regime in 1976, another wave of conflict engulfed the region as land was irregularly expropriated during the establishment of what was formerly known as Palestinian land. Although individuals' assets and properties were assessed and valued with the expectation of compensation or resettlement, many faced brutal evictions. This unjust eviction forced the majority of those affected to seek refuge in the game reserve amid unclear boundaries.

Following the fall of Idi Amin's regime, the original occupants of the Palestinian farmland reclaimed occupancy, as no activities were taking place on the land, and they had not been compensated for their losses.

However, in 1986, when the NRM government came to power, it aimed to rejuvenate the land as a UPDF (Uganda People's Defense Force) farm. In pursuit of this objective, they inadvertently evicted everyone who had occupied the land. The victims were once again forced to seek refuge in the game reserve.

The Ranch 11 communities' plight persisted with evictions in 1994 and 1998, conducted in an attempt to secure the area amid ongoing disputes. Tragically, a violent dispute along the reserve boundary in 1999 culminated in a brutal eviction, resulting in the loss of lives and property.

In a bid to address the ongoing crisis, the Masindi District Council launched a probe into the evictions in 2000. The findings were compiled into a report and submitted to the Ministry of Lands. The Masindi probe report was subsequently considered by the cabinet, leading to a decision to resettle the affected communities, including the Nubians residing on Ranch 11.

In the wake of this decision, a resettlement committee was established by Hon. Baguma Isoke, pending the allocation of the required land fund.

However, in 2003, the conflict resurfaced as the former UPDF farmland was leased to the Mukwano Group of Companies. Despite various attempts to address the Ranch 11 communities' plight, including a presidential request in 2006 for the Minister in charge of the Presidency to address the Nubian community, many pledges by the government remained unfulfilled.

The recent news of budgeting for a resettlement fund totaling 200 million shillings has been met with a collective sigh of relief among the Ranch 11 communities. This financial commitment offers newfound hope to those who have endured decades of uncertainty, insecurity, and displacement. It serves as a beacon of optimism, signaling that the government is finally taking tangible steps to honor its promises and provide a long-awaited resolution to the Ranch 11 communities' enduring struggles.

The Road Ahead

The release of these crucial funds into the Kiryandongo district account marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to restore peace and resolve the entrenched socio-economic contentions that have beleaguered the Ranch 11 communities for generations. With the second-quarter allocation now secured, and the promise of additional funds in the third quarter, the government has embarked on a journey towards reconciliation and reparation for these affected communities.