Women’s land rights violations rise amid oil developments in Hoima
Dr. Chiwangu noted that the surge in large-scale projects, including the construction of the oil pipeline and the Hoima City Stadium, has accelerated land-related disputes, often disproportionately impacting vulnerable groups.
By George Niyonzima
The UN Women Country Representative in Uganda, Dr. Paulina Chiwangu, has raised concern over increasing violations of land rights affecting women and girls in Hoima District and Hoima City, attributing the trend to rapid developments in the Albertine region.
Dr. Chiwangu noted that the surge in large-scale projects, including the construction of the oil pipeline and the Hoima City Stadium, has accelerated land-related disputes, often disproportionately impacting vulnerable groups.
“In a place like Hoima where development is happening at a new level, these projects also come with challenges. We must ensure that communities, especially women and girls, benefit from these developments,” she said.
She called on stakeholders to strengthen oversight and ensure inclusive participation so that women not only benefit economically from oil and gas activities but also take up leadership roles within the sector.
The remarks were made during a stakeholder engagement organized by the Mid-Western Region Anti-Corruption Coalition (MIRAC) in Hoima.
MIRAC Executive Director Ismail Kusemererwa highlighted that land conflicts in the Albertine region remain widespread and require urgent, coordinated intervention.
“The challenge of land conflicts is still very huge and demands serious attention from all players,” Kusemererwa said.
Local leaders, including Badru Mugabi and Brian Atugonza, echoed similar concerns, noting that land rights violations have intensified following the discovery and ongoing exploitation of oil and gas resources in the region.
They warned that without deliberate safeguards, the benefits of development risk bypassing local communities, particularly women and marginalized groups.
