Land Grabbing in Uganda
Outreach & Service
Introduction
Communities are fighting these evictions, supported by organisations like Slow Food and Friends of the Earth, which advocate for land rights and hold companies accountable.
Causes and consequences
- Driven by foreign demand: The demand for crops like palm oil and biofuels in other countries is a significant driver of land grabs in Uganda, with European consumption being a major factor, as detailed by Friends of the Earth Europe.
- Displacement and loss of livelihood: Communities are forcibly removed from their ancestral lands, losing not only their homes but also their ability to farm, access water, and gather firewood.
- Human rights violations: Evictions and land acquisitions often violate human rights, particularly for vulnerable groups like indigenous communities and women.
- Environmental impact: Large-scale projects lead to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and the use of harmful pesticides.
How communities are fighting back
- Resistance and advocacy: Farmers like Joseph Kkonde are resisting forced evictions and threats, while community members are fighting for their right to land.
- Legal and human rights arguments: Organisations are using legal frameworks and highlighting human rights responsibilities, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, to demand that companies and governments respect the rights of local people.
- Raising awareness: Campaigns by organisations are working to raise public awareness about the issue and its impacts both locally and internationally.