Besigye opposes park lease
Oct 29, 2007
THE leader of the Forum for Democratic Change party, Kizza Besigye, has asked residents of Kamwenge district to resist the allocation of part of the Queen Elizabeth National Park to limestone miners.
By Ali Wasswa
THE leader of the Forum for Democratic Change party, Kizza Besigye, has asked residents of Kamwenge district to resist the allocation of part of the Queen Elizabeth National Park to limestone miners.
The department of geological survey and mines recently allocated 450 hectares of the park to Hima Cement Industries in a 30-year lease.
The company is waiting for clearance from the Uganda Wildlife Authority to begin mining.
Besigye said the mining area, part of which is in Durra, Kamwenge district, should be held in trust by all residents.
He urged the residents to oppose the offer to Hima, the way the Mabira Forest give-away was resisted in Kampala.
“Do not allow Durra to be taken. Resist the move by all means,†he told the weekend rally in Kamwenge.
Several environmentalists have also expressed concern over the allocation of the park, saying it violates constitutional provisions decreeing that protected areas be held in trust for the benefit of all Ugandans.
Besigye also said his party would rejuvenate the railway sector if it came into power.
He promised to remain in the FDC even if another party leader was chosen during the delegates’ conference to be held later this year. Besigye dismissed as false, reports that there were disagreements between him and other senior party officials.
Accompanied by party officials Salaamu Musumba, Mugisha Muntu and Betty Kamya, Besigye also toured Kiruhura and Ibanda districts.
THE leader of the Forum for Democratic Change party, Kizza Besigye, has asked residents of Kamwenge district to resist the allocation of part of the Queen Elizabeth National Park to limestone miners.
The department of geological survey and mines recently allocated 450 hectares of the park to Hima Cement Industries in a 30-year lease.
The company is waiting for clearance from the Uganda Wildlife Authority to begin mining.
Besigye said the mining area, part of which is in Durra, Kamwenge district, should be held in trust by all residents.
He urged the residents to oppose the offer to Hima, the way the Mabira Forest give-away was resisted in Kampala.
“Do not allow Durra to be taken. Resist the move by all means,†he told the weekend rally in Kamwenge.
Several environmentalists have also expressed concern over the allocation of the park, saying it violates constitutional provisions decreeing that protected areas be held in trust for the benefit of all Ugandans.
Besigye also said his party would rejuvenate the railway sector if it came into power.
He promised to remain in the FDC even if another party leader was chosen during the delegates’ conference to be held later this year. Besigye dismissed as false, reports that there were disagreements between him and other senior party officials.
Accompanied by party officials Salaamu Musumba, Mugisha Muntu and Betty Kamya, Besigye also toured Kiruhura and Ibanda districts.