news 6 July 2026 Nile Post
Mwerasandu Tin Mine Dispute: Ministers Urge Compliance Amidst Land Ownership Claims
Government ministers are pressing residents of Mwerasandu tin mine in Ntungamo District to accept redevelopment plans by H5 Resources, assuring compensation based on district valuations as land ownership investigations continue. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/354152/mwerasandu-tin-mine-land-dispute-deepens-as-ministers-push-redevelopment-plan
Ministers of Energy and Mineral Development and State for Minerals have visited the Mwerasandu tin mine in Ntungamo District to assess ongoing operations by H5 Resources and address a protracted land dispute.
Minister Monica Musenero and Minister Phiona Nyamutoro engaged with local residents regarding land rights and compensation concerns. The ministers urged community members to accept the redevelopment plan, emphasizing that compensation will be processed according to district valuation rates, with an additional disturbance allowance.
“This land belongs to government,” stated Minister Musenero during the visit, while also encouraging residents with evidence of ownership to present it for determination. The government’s stance is that the mining area is state-owned, pending the outcome of ongoing ownership investigations.
However, local residents maintain they are the rightful landowners, citing historical claims and evidence of purchasing the land decades ago. They are demanding compensation not only for crops and developments but also for the land itself, arguing that current valuations are too low. Residents also voiced concerns about employment opportunities for the local youth and women.
Minister Nyamutoro commended H5 Resources for its efforts in adding value to tin within the country, aligning with the government’s goal of ensuring mineral development benefits Ugandan citizens. Officials also warned against the illegal smuggling and export of raw minerals, stressing adherence to national mining laws that mandate domestic processing.
A community committee is expected to be formed to help guide the compensation process, with outstanding issues slated for resolution within 30 days. The ministers reiterated that regardless of individual claims, the redevelopment project must proceed, with potential compensation funds set aside for unresolved cases.