Uganda has signed a lease agreement with the Natia-A-Tepth Communal Land Association, granting the government access to 9,450 acres of land in Katikekile, Moroto District for the establishment of the country’s first clink factory. The deal, finalized at a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and several government officials, marks a major step in Uganda’s industrial development.
The project is spearheaded by Tororo Cement Ltd., following a 2023 appeal by President Yoweri Museveni to the company’s late chairman, Hasmukhbhai Patel. Patel, who died on August 29, 2024, was instrumental in committing the company to the Moroto project, aiming to replace clinker imports from Kenya and reduce the country’s foreign exchange losses.
At the ceremony, Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development Judith Nabakooba recalled her directive from the Prime Minister in February 2024 to fast-track land acquisition. The Ministry convened meetings with stakeholders in Kampala, State House, Tororo, and Moroto, where consultations were held with the local community and their representatives.
The 10,000-acre land, under customary tenure, is managed by the Natia-A-Tepth Communal Land Association, a legal entity registered under the Ministry of Lands. Of the total land, 500 acres were sold directly to the investor under freehold tenure for factory construction. The remaining 9,450 acres were leased to the government for 49 years to be used as a raw material source.
The Ministry of Lands handled the surveying, demarcation, conversion of customary land to freehold, and titling—at no cost to the community. Cabinet approved the transaction, and the Ministry of Finance cleared the payment structure. An initial UGX 2 billion has been secured for immediate disbursement; the remaining funds are budgeted in the next financial year.
The Uganda Investment Authority will hold the lease titles on behalf of the government. Freehold titles will be returned to the Natia-A-Tepth CLA.
Minister Nabakooba emphasized the importance of a Community Development Agreement to protect community interests. She urged the investor to engage the community fairly, create jobs, respect environmental safeguards, and involve locals in business opportunities.
The minister also handed over land titles for public institutions, including:
Kosiroi Primary School: Freehold Register Volume MOR 28 Folio 1 Plot 501 Block 1 (8.8050 hectares)
Kosiroi Health Centre: Freehold Register Volume MOR 28 Folio 3 Plot 500 Block 1 (14.9843 hectares)
Additionally, she presented the following titles to the Prime Minister for official transfer to the Communal Land Association:
Plot 496 Block 1: Freehold Register Volume MOR 28 Folio 8 (3,127.1049 hectares)
Plot 502 Block 1: Freehold Register Volume MOR 28 Folio 10 (700.3836 hectares)
Nabakooba acknowledged key contributors to the process, including the President, the First Lady and former Karamoja Minister Janet Museveni, Prime Minister Nabbanja, Hon. Peter Lokeris, the Office of the Attorney General, the Moroto District leadership, CLA members, and technical staff from the Ministry of Lands. Special mention was made of Mr. Bigiira, Acting Commissioner for Land Registration, and Mr. Manish of Tororo Cement, who led on-the-ground efforts.
She concluded by calling on Tororo Cement to announce a groundbreaking date, noting that the President has already given clearance for the project to begin.
Beliw is the detailed speech by Hon Minister Judith Nabakooba
