By Jumah Kakomo and Kabuye Ronald
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has pledged to demarcate the boundary between land occupied by the Mount Elgon Wildlife Conservation Area and surrounding community settlements.
The move follows increasing reports of human-wildlife conflicts in the Sebei Sub-region, including Kween District, where residents have clashed with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers over land disputes.
Addressing supporters during an NRM presidential campaign rally at Binyiny Primary School playgrounds in Kween District, Gen. Museveni said he had earlier directed a team led by former Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda to handle the demarcation, but the process was frustrated by individuals opposed to the initiative.
“We must clearly mark the boundary to protect both the wildlife and the people. Those opposing this initiative are delaying a long-term solution,” Museveni said.
The NRM flag bearer also urged residents to adopt environmentally friendly practices to reduce degradation and prevent disasters such as landslides that frequently affect the area. He revealed plans to convene a regional conference to discuss sustainable settlement strategies and mitigation of landslide effects.
According to Museveni, residents living in high-risk landslide zones will be relocated to safer areas, with each household receiving two acres of land and UGX 10 million in support.
He also reiterated plans to sponsor community leaders from Rwenzori, Sebei, and Bugisu sub-regions to Europe to benchmark on effective settlement and compensation models.
Gen. Museveni announced that the cattle restocking initiative will be expanded beyond Lango, Acholi, and Teso sub-regions to include Kween, Abim, and Bulambuli Districts, citing the lasting impact of past rebel conflicts and Pokot cattle rustling.
He further confirmed government plans to establish Sabiny University as a public institution for the Sebei Sub-region—part of the policy to ensure that every sub-region in Uganda hosts a public university.
The President also ordered an audit into the utilization of road maintenance and Parish Development Model (PDM) funds in Kween District. The directive follows reports of corruption and misuse of public resources raised by Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Hope Atuheire.
Museveni urged residents to monitor government programs closely and to treat the PDM initiative as their inheritance, using it to create wealth and improve household incomes.
During the rally, Museveni emphasized the importance of the four-acre model as a practical path to household wealth, citing successful farmers such as Minister of State for Transport Fred Byamukama as examples.
He also revealed plans to establish a Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Kween District on 500 acres of land provided by the district. The hub will offer free vocational training, replicating successful models already implemented in other regions.
Museveni further rallied residents to support free universal education in all government schools as a cornerstone of long-term development.
Other NRM leaders who addressed the rally included: Anita Among, NRM Second National Vice Chairperson, Calvin Echodu, NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region and Steven Mangusho, NRM District Chairperson for Kween, who presented the district’s status report.
