LETTER TO THE 4 ARMS OF GOVERNMENT (THE EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATURE, JUDICIARY AND THE MEDIA) CONCERNING AMENDMENT OF ARTICLE '26' OF THE CONSTITUTION. Dear Uganda government, my name is Osuta Yusuf a resident of Lamila parish, Kijomoro sub-county in Maracha district.

The great intrigue of typing this missive is because of the purported amendment of controversial  article '26' of the constitution which states that "Government or investors must acquire land for an investment or other activities, prior to compensation of land owners".

The coming proposal of amending the constitution, if assented to it as a law, it will enable government or investors to compulsorily acquire land for investment before compensating owners of the targeted land.

We have heard of so many land wrangle cases being registered from LC courts to other Higher courts, most of which, emanet from some investors or government ploying to take over land of local residents without fairly adequate compensation of land owners.

Have the MPs minded to go and consult people in their constituencies about this proposed amendment of land law in the constitution?.

If yes, do the locals minded to ask their MP about the good side and bad side of this proposed law?.

Though there were complains by the government that, the current law has frustrated so many developmental programs from proceeding.

The obsession should not be on looking at the good side of it.

Remember; everything has its bad side and good side.

Look at both sides of it, otherwise you will end up choosing "better for worse".

In a short term, i mean the proposed land law might either be the worse or the better.

               AN ILLUSTRATION.           

Musa had his land of about 2acres in which his home + family members stay there and then government started to look for a plot, to launch another project. Government surveyed Musa's land to be used for the project. The surveying process took all of his 2 hectares of land.

There for:-  government then ordered him to vacate his land which has been surveyed, so that the project work could commence.

 My question to the government now is;

1.Where will Mr Musa, whose 2 acres of land has been taken all for the project, Go?.

2.And how will he go?.

This question alone would generate another clause.

My opinion is that, since the government is agitating for the proposed law amendment is to be passed, the MPs should mind to put in the same law, another clause which would protect the interests of individuals whose lands have been acquired for investment by government or investors, in accordance to abort further escalating land conflicts from today and in the future.

If the present law has generated some friction between investors / government and the local land owners, How much conflicting fracus do you think this law "Compulsory acquisition of land before payment" would exaggerate?.

It is an obligation task for every ugandan including; peace lovers, policians, civil servants, human rights and all shorts of activists to take lead of advocating in pressuring MPs to put a clause that will defend the freedom and right of the, voiceless, poor & oppressed.

I plead to every Ugandan, for unity, parity and justice in this move to champaign for the right of the voiceless especially those whose lands have been acquired for investment.

You never know, you might either fall a victim to this law, or me. Today it will bite me and tomorrow it will bite you.

                 THE POINT IS;       

 MPs should advocate to push for a bill that will ensurely protect the fate and freedom of individuals affected by this proposed law.

                            THANKS.                   

AUTHOR: Osuta Yusuf a career politician / lawyer.