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Deal #1976 Version #56424

Uganda

Created at

2013-02-15

Last update

2015-03-06

Last full update

2022-09-07

Land area

Intended size

40 000 ha

Size under contract (leased or purchased area)

[2003, current] 6500.0 ha

Size in operation (production)

[2009] 5600.0 ha
[2013, current] 6500.0 ha

Comment on land area

Original plan was to have a 10,000ha nucleus estate, but private partner negotiated for 6500ha. There is conflicting information whether the land lease is in fact 10 000hectares instead of 6500 hectares and whether the size in operation in 2013 was 7500 hectares instead of 6500 hectares. The second phase of the project, an additional 10 000 hectares, will expand the production onto several more islands, including Buvuma Island in Mukono District.

Intention of investment

[current] Agriculture unspecified

Comment on intention of investment

Oil palm, many possible uses

Nature of the deal

Lease

Negotiation status

[2003, current] Concluded (Contract signed)

Comment on negotiation status

The agreement included that the land would be acquired 'free of encumbrances'.Opul acquired additional land leases from a Ugandan businessman, Amos Ssempa, with the aim of expanding its plantations in 2011.

Implementation status

[2009, current] In operation (production)

Comment on implementation status

First Fruit bunches to be harvested in 2009. Allegations that the company is operating without an EIA.

Contract farming

Yes

Not on leased / purchased (out-grower)

Yes

Not on leased area/farmers/households (out-grower)

[current] 3500.0 ha

Comment on contract farming

Outgrower scheme only started in 2006. Outgrowers are organised in the Kalangala Oil Palm Growers Trust (KOPGT).