Acholi FDC MP’s to block sugar project.

By Ssebuliba Samuel

MPs from Acholi sub region belonging to the opposition Forum for Democratic Change have threatened to block a sugar cane project by the Madhvani Group of Companies over land wrangles.

In 2008 Madhvani applied for a 49 year-lease for 40,000 hectares of land to grow sugar cane at Lakang village, in Amuru district, but locals rejected this move.

Last week the minister for lands Betty Amongi, flanked by a section of elders from this area agreed to have the projected expedited.

According to MPs including Odonga Otto, Betty Aol and Gilbert Olanya, the project is good, but the process of acquiring the land raises suspicion.

They have called upon the government to engage local people instead of using leaders who do not to represent the interests of the public.

However the Lands minister Betty Amongi described the group opposed to the project as having ill intentions.

Written by David Kugonza