Africa
Mukono Residents Block Survey of Land Meant for the Development of Akon City
#IvanKaahwaReports
Mpunge Subcounty in Mukono District is the location identified for the development of Akon City, following the interest shown by Senegalese-American rapper Akon in developing a city in Uganda. The area comprises a square mile of hilly topography with a view of Lake Victoria. The land designated for this development is currently occupied by people who possess land titles. Locals claim that the land has over 30 verified land titles.
From the initial stages, residents have not welcomed the development prospect, fearing eviction. Several meetings have reportedly been conducted between the residents and leaders about this project, but they have never reached a consensus. Locals allege that the government has not provided them with enough information about the development and that they continue to witness suspicious activities on their land, which have raised concerns.
When officers from the Ministry of Lands attempted to survey the land, they met resistance from the residents, and their pursuit turned into a consultative meeting instead. Akanga Arthur, a surveyor with the Ministry of Lands, stated that the government owns the original land title issued in 1963. He explained that the purpose of the survey was to identify and ascertain the land use, including which land is occupied by people, schools, and hospitals. He argued that upon completion of the survey, residents might realize they are not part of the land to be used for the project.
Locals argue that the government leased part of the land for up to 92 years. They also state that Akon needs about 385 acres for the project, leaving the rest of the land for local investors, further raising concerns about being evicted from their land.
After minutes of arguments in the presence of police from Mukono, it was resolved that the exercise be halted until relevant officers address the locals’ concerns.