Museveni pledges to resolve land conflicts, cautions Kasokoso residents on Opposition
“This (land ownership) issue is new to me, I am going to study it and consult all parties involved — National Housing, Police, and individuals,” said Museveni.
President Yoweri Museveni interacting with youths enroute to Kasokoso PDM assessment rally. (PPU photos)
By Nelson Mandela Muhoozi
Journalists @New Vision
________________
President Yoweri Museveni has pledged to resolve the long-standing land conflict in Kasokoso located in Kampala suburbs, within 45 days, urging residents to stop “wasting time” with opposition leaders who he said are disconnected from grassroots issues.
Addressing a large crowd during his Presidential Wealth Creation Tour at Kasokoso in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, Museveni acknowledged that he had not been briefed about the land conflicts as raised by the local leaders on Thursday.
“I have come here to learn about your issues and challenges,” he said.
“This (land ownership) issue is new to me, I am going to study it and consult all parties involved — National Housing, Police, and individuals,” said Museveni who was in the area as part of his countrywide tour to assess the Parish Development Model program.
During the rally, local leaders reported that the land in question spans approximately 458 acres and is home to over 100,000 residents.
President Yoweri Museveni acknowledging greetings from Wakiso supporters enroute to Kasokoso PDM assessment rally.
Ali Mwanda, the LC1 Chairperson of the area, said the land has been cited in the Auditor General’s report as crown land and that many families have never been compensated, including those displaced by the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
“We are law-abiding citizens, but we are stuck,” Mwanda said.
“Many families have lived here for decades, and development is choking us out without compensation,” he stated.
PDM and Emyooga concerns take center stage
While land disputes dominated the day’s tone, Museveni made it clear that the primary agenda of his visit was to promote government poverty eradication initiatives — namely the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.
Several residents, however, expressed dissatisfaction with how these funds have been managed in the area.
Namara Sheila, a resident of Kasokoso Kiganda Zone, told the President that she was among many people who had not received any funds under the Emyooga program.
“We formed SACCOs but were never funded,” she said.
Namutebi Doreen, another resident, said the Emyooga process was marred by discrimination.
“We were left out even after forming groups. And we don't even have a single government school here,” she lamented.
Other residents complained about an under-resourced health facility in the area. They said it lacks medicines and qualified health workers despite being structurally complete.
President orders review and fresh selection process
In response to the concerns, Museveni ordered that all residents above 18 years be mobilised to attend a public meeting to elect new PDM committee members.
“Each person is entitled to sh1million under PDM. The selection must be transparent. I want all adults convened to elect a credible PDM committee,” Museveni said, and further noted, “I’m ready to add more money, but everything must be done transparently.”
He promised that the government would continue to inject funds into PDM and ensure that more people benefit, saying: “If the initial 100 people are supported and succeed, others will follow. The government will not stop at one round of funding.”
Swipe at the Opposition
The President did not mince words when criticising the opposition, accusing them of exploiting people’s frustrations without offering concrete solutions.
“Don’t waste time with the opposition,” Museveni warned.
“Before they talk about land, let them first account for what they’ve done with PDM, youth funds, and Emyooga. If they can’t handle grassroots issues, how can they manage bigger ones?” he said.
He accused the opposition of using land disputes as political bait instead of addressing tangible needs like funding, education, and health.
“Even the issue of land here — I had never heard about it,” he said.
“The leaders you voted for should have tabled this a long time ago,” he said.
Museveni urged residents to vote for National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders who “support development” and “bring issues to the attention of government.”
Presidential donations
At the event, Museveni made several donations aimed at boosting community mobility and financial empowerment.
He donated sh6 million to the LC1 Chairperson to buy a motorcycle for community mobilisation and sh30 million to the Kireka B Kasokoso Bibanja Association SACCO, to enhance its financial base and support economic activities among members.