Museveni praises Mengo on land bill

Feb 22, 2009

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has commended the Mengo government for initiating fresh talks on the land amendment Bill before it is passed into law.

By Cyprian Musoke

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has commended the Mengo government for initiating fresh talks on the land amendment Bill before it is passed into law.

Addressing a delegation of Buganda leaders at State House Nakasero on Saturday evening, Museveni said the talks would harmonise the Buganda and government positions and consensus reached amicably.

The delegation included Vice-President Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, Prime Minister Prof. Apolo Nsibambi, ministers, Mps, district chairpersons and opinion leaders from Buganda region.

A statement from State House yesterday said Museveni informed the delegation that the Bill, now before Parliament, spelt out the fact that no evictions would be allowed and that there must be a ceiling to the busuulu (land tax).

“This will ensure a social alliance that will protect both the landlords and tenants. The co-existence of both in a harmonious relationship will be a significant achievement in Uganda,” he observed.

He pointed out that protecting both parties was necessary, saying the emergence of the social forces was an indicator of high growth rates, especially in the housing sector.

In a cabinet meeting at Bulange on Thursday, Mengo supported the resumption of talks with the central government over the Bill, but stressed the need for agreeing on the agenda before the talks.

Last week, Museveni suspended debate on the controversial Bill in Parliament to allow the negotiations with Buganda.

In the State House meeting, he emphasised that the unlawful eviction of people from land should be punishable by law.

He further told the leaders that he had addressed religious leaders on land issues in April last year, highlighting the historical background on land ownership and management as well as the government’s position.

He advised Buganda leaders against confrontation and encouraged them to speak out their mind on any mistakes for the good of the country.

Museveni and the leaders agreed that the Bill was well-intentioned.
Prime minister Apolo Nsibambi undertook to circulate all documents on the Bill to ensure its contents are understood.

Sources in the Mengo cabinet said: “We have concurred that the talks between Mengo and the central government do resume, but before they start, we have to agree with the central government the issues for discussion, not President Museveni calling us without an agenda.”

Mengo minister for cabinet affairs Charles Peter Mayiga said: “Although President Museveni indicated that talks will be concerning the proposed land amendment Bill, we want all issues pertaining to Buganda to be discussed.”

Among these he listed the federal system of government, the 9,000 square miles of land, sub-county headquarters that have not been returned to Buganda and the amount of money the Government owes Buganda in renting the properties.

Kabaka Ronald Mutebi will appoint a team to assist Katikkiro John Baptist Walusimbi in the talks.

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