The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
The two communities have been fighting over the administrative boundary since 2002 when mining activities commenced in Moroto. The contested areas include Rata village which is a base for DAO Marble Limited and Musupo and Nakiloro parishes which have vast mineral deposits especially marble, limestone and gold.
The conflict has since stopped the two sub counties from accessing seven per cent of royalties from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. Even the proposal to share royalties through council resolutions by the department of geological surveys was snubbed by the leadership of both sub counties.
State Minister for Lands Persis Namuganza announced in May this year, that the ministry would open the boundary within a week. Namuganza, who was accompanied by technical staff from the ministry said that everything was set for the boundary opening.
Namuganza camped in Moroto soon after the land awareness week and pledged to have the boundary opened within one week. By the time of her meetings with residents, President Museveni was due to visit Karamoja. However, more than a month later, the boundary of the contested border remains closed. Both residents and area leaders have no answers for the affected community at the border.
Moses Lorika, one of the elders in Katikekile questions the motive of the minister in making commitments that could not be fulfilled. “How can a whole minister lie to us in broad daylight? Did she even have a plan for the border opening or she was trying to please the appointing authority? I’m not happy with her and the entire team”, he said.
John Vianney Lutaaya, the Principal Staff Surveyor in the Ministry of Lands who accompanied the minister to Moroto says they are still waiting for funds to conduct the exercise.
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