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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 29434, member: 2262"] Uganda officials deny any wrongful removal of people from Sango Bay land. They claim they legally took back the area and gave it to business partners according to official plans. Dr. Sam Mayanja from the Lands Ministry stated the government wants the land used as planned. He believes news reports and public comments hurt projects and discourage investors. The Sango Bay area went to Sango Bay Estates Limited back in 1933. It sat mostly empty for many years, which let wandering cattle herders move in without permission. The company broke lease rules by not using the land, so the government claimed it back for new projects. The leaders decided in 2020 to hand the area to BIDCO and partners for making palm oil. Uganda promised BIDCO 40,000 hectares for growing oil palms as part of a deal from 2003. Before the Sango Bay decision, BIDCO had received just 11,500 hectares in the Kalangala and Buvuma areas. Local farmers got about 4,848 hectares. The Lands Ministry marked borders, canceled fake land papers, and found important nature areas after taking control. Mayanja said the land works perfectly for its intended job and praised the progress made there. The government plans to pay residents for any real improvements they made before the change. He clarified that animals causing problems must leave and will not count for payment. He firmly stated that no unlawful removal of people happened and that stopping a new building does not equal forced removal. According to officials, claims about destroyed property or attacks remain unproven. Mayanja asked anyone who suffered such problems to tell the police and bring proof. He promised lawbreakers would face consequences. He applauded OPUL Sango Bay Limited for its fast progress in developing the area. He also thanked security teams and community leaders for helping the project succeed. The Ugandan government promises to give BIDCO all land owed from the 2003 agreement as fast as possible. They stand behind the decision and view the project as important for national development. Officials maintain they followed proper legal steps throughout the process. The focus remains on turning unused land into productive agricultural space. [/QUOTE]

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