Museveni explains return of Mengo property

By vision reporter

President Yoweri Museveni has said that the NRM government returned kingship because it fought for peace and rights for all, adding that those who hid behind Mengo to destabilize the country have been exposed.

The President was responding to praises by the people of Katonga in Mpigi district over the decision by government to return Buganda’s property to the cultural institution. They also urged him to solve the land conflict in Bunjako Forest reserve part of which allegedly belonged to King Chwa of Buganda.

“We brought the land law because of the increasing cases of land conflict. Some people who hide behind Mengo to destabilize our country claimed that Museveni wants to steal Buganda’s land. The land act is very clear; if you were allowed to settle legally on the land by the landlord and those who settled on the land before 1983 even if they were not allowed by the landlord cannot be evicted. This was provided for because of the problems prevalent at the time,” he said. He warned that nobody can disregard the laws of Uganda to evict people, adding however that everything must be done within the law.

Museveni was on Sunday addressing civilian veterans at Katonga Technical Institute, Mawokota South County in Mpigi District as part of his campaign to reinforce the fight against poverty among veterans in former war zones.

“We used the war zones to fight the enemy and returned peace to our country, now we can use them to bring development to our people,” he said. The campaign will involve senior army officers overseeing project implementation alongside local leaders.

He challenged the veterans to work for food and money in order to ensure food security and improved incomes for their homes and said there was need to concentrate on high income generating activities. He noted that since the veterans scored success during the liberation struggle, the time was ripe for them to spearhead the eradication of poverty. He urged them to utilize their land to eradicate poverty.

He said the people of Mpigi have broad opportunities through tapping the agricultural sector, adding that if they invested in an acre of coffee, one acre of fruits like water melon, one of bananas to ensure food security and one of elephant grass for exotic dairy cows they would turn their lives around. He said government will support them to add value to their tomatoes and potatoes.

Museveni revealed that Government has spent sh 380 billion towards the reconstruction of the Kampala – Masaka road using the locally generated funds as part of infrastructure development adding that infrastructure needs to be reinforced with the creation of homestead wealth.  He challenged the veterans to lead by example through the generation of income at the household level. He announced the appointment of Lt. Col. Alfred Nangendo to command Katonga zone in the Government efforts to eradicate poverty. He said that under the new arrangement, Government would provide tractors on condition that the Wananchi refuel, brick making machines to improve housing by ensuring availability of quality bricks at a low cost.

He commended the leaders of Mawokota for their role in expressing the people’s needs. He directed the Minister of State for lands, AidahNantaba to follow up and solve the land wrangles in the area.

Museveni informed the attentive people that Mpigi District receives sh 14.4 billion per year from the central Government, adding that the funds are utilized for the various development programs. He assured the Veterans that their benefits would be settled during the 2014/ 2015 financial year.

He pledged a donation of sh 50 million for the SACCOs in the three Sub Counties of Mawokota County. He further pledged to erect an electricity line to serve Katonga Technical Institute. Earlier, President Museveni commissioned the 33 KV Kituntu- Golo electric line. The ceremony took place at Golo Trading center.

The Chairman of Mawokota West Veterans Association, Hajji Muhamood Ssembuuze saluted President Museveni for constructing the Katonga Technical Institute. He revealed that it was playing a big role in sharpening the people’s skills.

On his return journey to Kampala, the President toured the Central Buganda DioceseMothers’ Union juice factory based in Nabusanke, Mawokota Sub County. It currently produces mango, Pineapple and orange juice.

Later, President Museveni pledged a donation of sh 10 million to boost the Mbizinya market vendors in their work along the Kampala- Masaka highway.

He urged the people of Kamengo trading center to work hard in order to ensure good lives.

The President made a pledge of sh 20 million to benefit the members of Twezimbe Development Foundation who are based in the out skirts of Mpigi Town.

President Museveni upon reaching Kibuye Trading zone in the outskirts of Kampala City sympathized with the traders and residents inconvenienced by the dust and pot holes between Kibuye and Busega. He pledged to save them from the challenge by reconstructing the road.