Members of Parliament (MPs) have expressed strong opposition to the government’s proposal to acquire land for Bunyoro University, citing a Shs4.9 billion compensation demand for a pine tree plantation. The 100 acres of land, located in Buhimba Town Council, Hoima City, was offered by Dr. Henry Wamani, who requested compensation for the trees planted on the land.
During a committee meeting with the Bunyoro University Task Force Management Committee on January 29, 2025, MPs voiced their concerns about the exorbitant cost of the trees. Busia Municipality MP Geoffrey Macho criticized the proposal, stating, “A university can be situated anywhere in Bunyoro; we cannot buy trees more expensively than the cost of land.”
Other MPs echoed similar sentiments, arguing that while the land was presented as free, the associated costs made it financially burdensome. Michael Kakembo from Entebbe Municipality highlighted that the claim of free land was misleading due to the compensation requirement.
The Chairperson of the Bunyoro Parliamentary Caucus, Jacob Karubanga, noted that while 20 acres were available for immediate development, the remaining 80 acres would require payment if utilized before a 15-year waiting period for tree harvesting.