Masindi offers 700ha land for army school
Oct 29, 2003
Masindi district and Biiso sub-county authorities have offered 700 hectares (1,750 acres) of land to the army to establish a national artillery and air defence training school.
By Kyetume Kasanga and M. Kaahwa
Masindi district and Biiso sub-county authorities have offered 700 hectares (1,750 acres) of land to the army to establish a national artillery and air defence training school.
President Yoweri Museveni asked the district to avail land for the purpose last year.
John Majara, the district chairman, told him on Monday that the land was available as a community contribution towards strengthening the UPDF.
Museveni was at the pass-out of 707 trainees who had completed four gunnery courses that started in February.
The ceremony took place at the Artillery and Air Defence Division in Butiaba Buliisa sub-county Masindi district.
“Your Excellency, the procedures for acquiring land will have to be followed,†Majara said. The land is in Wantembo village, near the shores of L. Albert in Biiso sub-county,†he said.
Majara asked the Government to adequately compensate the squatters, and build two primary schools in the vicinity. He said more land would be availed if need arose.
Museveni accepted the conditions, saying the squatters would be facilitated to build iron-roofed houses. Most of them currently live in grass-thatched structures.
The army commander, Maj. Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, attacked the media which he said are always accusing the army of inefficiency.
“I am happy we are on track as far as equipping the forces is concerned,†Nyakairima said.
Masindi district and Biiso sub-county authorities have offered 700 hectares (1,750 acres) of land to the army to establish a national artillery and air defence training school.
President Yoweri Museveni asked the district to avail land for the purpose last year.
John Majara, the district chairman, told him on Monday that the land was available as a community contribution towards strengthening the UPDF.
Museveni was at the pass-out of 707 trainees who had completed four gunnery courses that started in February.
The ceremony took place at the Artillery and Air Defence Division in Butiaba Buliisa sub-county Masindi district.
“Your Excellency, the procedures for acquiring land will have to be followed,†Majara said. The land is in Wantembo village, near the shores of L. Albert in Biiso sub-county,†he said.
Majara asked the Government to adequately compensate the squatters, and build two primary schools in the vicinity. He said more land would be availed if need arose.
Museveni accepted the conditions, saying the squatters would be facilitated to build iron-roofed houses. Most of them currently live in grass-thatched structures.
The army commander, Maj. Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, attacked the media which he said are always accusing the army of inefficiency.
“I am happy we are on track as far as equipping the forces is concerned,†Nyakairima said.