President Yoweri Museveni on Friday cautioned residents of Kayunga District against land grabbing, describing the practice as illegal and driven largely by ignorance of the law, while urging communities to embrace the Parish Development Model (PDM) as a key vehicle for wealth creation and employment.
Addressing a rally in the district, President Museveni said sitting tenants are protected by law and should not be forcefully evicted from land, noting that land tenure issues were clearly resolved during the Constituent Assembly debates.
“No one has the right to chase away a sitting tenant from land. That is against the law,” the President said, adding that some individuals were deliberately misleading the public for selfish gain. He called on National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders to sensitise communities about land rights and promote peaceful resolution of disputes.
Museveni also warned residents against buying land already occupied by tenants, saying such transactions often result in conflict. “Selling land with tenants without addressing their rights is like selling hot air,” he remarked, adding that government has in some cases compensated landlords to protect tenants and would continue to do so where necessary.
Turning to economic transformation, the President encouraged residents to fully utilise funds under the Parish Development Model, under which each parish receives Shs100 million annually to support household income-generating activities.
Over a five-year period, he explained, each parish would access up to Shs500 million, which should be invested in agriculture, value addition and other productive ventures aimed at lifting families out of poverty.
Museveni further announced that government plans to establish an industrial park in Kayunga, provided adequate land is secured, saying the facility would boost industrialisation and create jobs for local residents.
He also highlighted investments in health infrastructure but expressed concern over persistent theft of drugs from public health facilities, warning that the vice undermines service delivery and government efforts to improve healthcare.
The President reminded wananchi that ultimate power rests with the people through the ballot, urging them to elect leaders committed to development, accountability and stability.
First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni thanked residents for turning up in large numbers and urged them to actively participate in the electoral process. She called on voters to mobilise all eligible family members, including the elderly, to cast their ballots.
“Do not leave anyone behind. Every vote counts in building our country,” she said.
NRM First National Vice Chairperson Alhaji Moses Kigongo urged voters to support the ruling party at all levels, emphasising unity and discipline. He cautioned against provocation and called for peaceful coexistence before and after elections.
“After voting, your neighbour will still be your neighbour. Let us remain calm, disciplined and united,” Kigongo said, while warning party leaders against misusing security forces for political ends.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among credited the NRM government for key infrastructure projects in the area, including the Isimba Dam and Sezibwa Bridge, which she said have supported development in Kayunga and surrounding districts.
She urged residents to remain loyal to the party and avoid political double standards, saying consistency was essential for sustained development.
The rally ended with renewed calls for unity, peace and continued support for the NRM, with leaders underscoring stability and economic transformation as central to Uganda’s progress.
