NRM rebel MPs oppose proposal to scrap mailo land

PIC: MPs Gaffa Mbwatekamwa (left) talks while Theodore Sekikubo looks on during a press conference about a meeting of NRM MPs in Kiboga. The conference was at Parliament on Friday February 23, 2018. (Credit:Kennedy Oryema)

LAND PROBE RECOMMENDATIONS

KAMPALA - The National Resistance Movement (NRM) rebel MPs have opposed the proposal to scrap the mailo tenure system, arguing it is against the interests of the people of Buganda.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, the MPs who included Theodore Ssekikubo (Lwemiyaga), John Baptist Nambeshe (Manjiya), Patrick Nsamba (Kasanda North), Gaffa Mbwatekamwa (Kasambya) , and Bildad Adome (Ajie) vowed they would fight any attempts to scrap mailo land.

"As NRM caucus, we rejected the land compulsory Bill, which was aimed at grabbing people's land. Those interested in grabbing land have now disguised their ploys through the Bamugemereire probe recommendations. But Ugandans will not accept those machinations," Nambeshe argued.

Mbwatekamwa said: "The land commission of inquiry has failed to address the real problem. Land grabbing is fueled by government officials in the army, Police, State House and the land offices which issue fake titles. That is where the problem is not the mailo land system. Let them avoid antagonising Buganda."

The MPs scoffed at the Buganda MPs most of whom voted for the removal of the presidential age limit, arguing they are reaping the fruits of their misguided decision because it is Buganda that will be greatly affected if mailo land is scrapped.

Calling it a sign of a failed government, the MPs also castigated government for seeking loans to pay salaries.

"If after 33 years in power, our Government has to borrow to pay salaries, it is a sign of failure. It means our economy is in a crisis.  And the reason is because public funds are misused to serve the interests of those in power," Ssekikubo stated.

On the planned celebrations scheduled for Saturday at Kiboga for commending the 317 MPs who voted in favour of lifting the presidential age limit, the NRM rebel MPs said it is an act of mocking majority Ugandans who were against the Bill.

"Many of those who supported the Bill are guarded by soldiers and Police officers. Many even fear to go back to their constituencies. They are traitors who betrayed their country," Mbwatekamwa argued.