By Eumu Emmanuel
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today resolved a long-standing land dispute in Kyaka South County, Kyegegwa District. The disputed land covers Kyaka I, Kazinga Town Council, Rwentuha, and Migamba Sub-counties.
Addressing residents at Rwentuha Primary School in Rwentuha Sub-county, Kyaka South, the President assured the leaders that they would remain on the land. He also promised to relocate the planned industrial park and the investor intending to establish an avocado factory to Kyaka II.
President Museveni explained that the land in Kyaka I was originally designated for an industrial park, which would provide a local market for products and create jobs for the residents. He cited the success of industrial parks in Namanve and Mbale, which have significantly benefited surrounding communities through employment and market access.
He emphasized that it was a mistake for people to encroach on government land and cautioned them against repeating such actions in the future. The President also urged the community to avoid encroaching on wetlands, swamps, and forests, warning that such practices contribute to environmental degradation, including prolonged droughts.
The President commended the people of Kyegegwa District for embracing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) message of wealth creation, which aims to transform their lives. However, he noted the continued practice of free-range grazing, which hinders profitability. He advised farmers to adopt modern farming techniques, using Richard Nyakana of Rewengaju as an example. By utilizing just one acre of land efficiently, Nyakana earns 250 million UGX annually through chicken farming (for eggs), goat rearing, and growing food for his family on the same land.
The President also encouraged farmers to grow avocado to support the supply chain for the planned factory in Kyaka II. Additionally, he urged them to plant pasture to improve milk production and pledged to provide tractors to assist in growing animal feeds, thereby phasing out free grazing.
On the infrastructure front, President Museveni pledged to tarmac the Liberation Road but stressed that the primary focus should be on improving household incomes. He assured residents that road development would be an added benefit to their ongoing progress.
He also contributed UGX 50 million to support the district leaders’ SACCO and pledged to engage Dr. Florence Muranga in expanding the market and adding value to bananas in Kyegegwa following the resolution of the long-standing land wrangle.
The Kyegegwa District LC5 Chairperson, Mr. John Kisoke Byamukama, informed President Museveni that over 130,000 people live on the contested land, having resided there for decades. He argued that it would be unjust to evict them, noting that the land also hosts schools, health centers, and churches.
The event was attended by Members of Parliament, the Resident District Commissioner, religious leaders, and other local officials.
