national 4 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Masaka Risks Losing Regional Industrial Park Over Land Dispute
Masaka District is on the verge of losing the opportunity to host a vital regional industrial park due to ongoing disputes over the allocated land. The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives has issued a stern warning, indicating that the project might be relocated if the land issues are not resolved promptly. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/masaka-could-lose-chance-to-host-regional-industrial-park-5546230
Masaka District faces the potential loss of a significant regional industrial park project, a development that could have bolstered local economy and job creation. Officials from the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives have expressed serious concerns regarding the unresolved land disputes surrounding the designated site.
The ministry has indicated that the project’s future in Masaka is uncertain unless the land allocation issues are swiftly addressed. This warning comes as a crucial deadline looms, and the delay in securing a clear title for the land is causing significant apprehension among potential investors and government stakeholders.
Sources within the ministry revealed that the allocated land, intended for the establishment of the industrial park, is currently embroiled in ownership wrangles. This situation has created a standstill, preventing the necessary preparatory work and infrastructure development from commencing.
The industrial park is envisioned as a catalyst for economic growth, attracting both local and foreign investment, creating employment opportunities, and fostering industrial development within the region. The potential relocation of this project would be a major setback for Masaka’s aspirations for economic advancement.
While the specific details of the land dispute remain somewhat unclear, the ministry has emphasized the urgency of the matter. They are reportedly engaging with local authorities and relevant parties to find an amicable and swift resolution. The success of this engagement will determine whether Masaka retains its chance to become a hub for industrial activity.
The government had previously earmarked Masaka as a strategic location for this industrial park, recognizing its potential as a gateway to various markets and its existing infrastructure. The current land predicament, however, threatens to derail these well-laid plans and could see the opportunity shift to another district better positioned to meet the project’s land requirements.