From Land Rights To Jobs: Museveni Unveils Development Agenda For Kayunga

By Frank Kamuntu

President Yoweri Museveni on Friday issued a strong warning against land grabbing in Kayunga District and urged residents to embrace the Parish Development Model (PDM) as a key pathway to wealth creation and job growth.

Addressing a public rally in the district, Museveni said land grabbing is illegal and often driven by ignorance of the law. He emphasized that sitting tenants are protected and must not be evicted from land they occupy.

“You have no right to chase away sitting tenants,” Museveni said, noting that land matters were exhaustively addressed during the Constituent Assembly and are clearly provided for under the law. He accused some individuals of misleading communities and called on National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders to educate the public on land rights and promote peaceful resolution of disputes.

The President also cautioned against purchasing land already occupied by tenants, saying selling such land without resolving tenancy issues amounted to selling “hot air.” He disclosed that government has already compensated some landlords and will continue doing so to ensure tenants remain secure on their land.

Museveni further announced plans to establish an industrial park in Kayunga, provided sufficient land is availed. He said the project would spur industrialisation and create employment opportunities for local residents.

On economic empowerment, the President encouraged wananchi to fully utilize the Parish Development Model, under which each parish receives Shs100 million annually. He explained that this translates to Shs500 million per parish over five years and should be invested in income-generating activities, particularly agriculture, to improve household incomes.

He also highlighted ongoing government investments in health infrastructure but expressed concern over the theft of medicines from public health facilities, warning that such practices undermine service delivery.

Museveni reminded citizens that power ultimately lies with the people through the ballot, urging them to elect leaders committed to development, accountability, and service to the public.

First Lady Janet Museveni thanked residents for turning up in large numbers and encouraged them to actively participate in the upcoming elections. She urged voters to mobilize family members, including the elderly, to ensure they exercise their right to vote.

“Don’t forget your grandmother at home—she has a vote too,” she said. “Each one of us has a vote. Together, we are building a great homeland for ourselves and our children.”

First National Vice Chairperson of the NRM, Alhaji Moses Kigongo, called for unity and discipline among party supporters. He urged residents of Kayunga to vote for the NRM at all levels, advising them to “only tick the bus symbol,” the party’s emblem.

Kigongo also cautioned against provocation from opposition groups, urging supporters to remain calm and peaceful. “After voting, your neighbour will remain your neighbour. Be disciplined and remember that unity is key,” he said.

He further appealed to party leaders to act with integrity, warning against the misuse of security personnel for political ends. “Do not use our soldiers to fight your wars. Even the soldiers involved will be prosecuted, together with those who misuse them,” he said.

Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among also addressed the rally, crediting the NRM government for major infrastructure projects in the area, including Isimba Dam and Sezibwa Bridge. She cautioned against political double-dealing and urged residents to remain loyal to the party.

The rally concluded with calls for unity, discipline, and continued support for the NRM, with leaders emphasizing peace, stability, and economic transformation as key priorities for Uganda.