By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KYANKWANZI
Land grabbing remains a major challenge in the wider Kyankwanzi district, with residents accusing wealthy and influential individuals of colluding with local leaders and security agencies to dispossess them of their land.
Local leaders say land disputes are now reported more frequently than ordinary criminal cases, underscoring the urgency of the problem.
Campaigning in the area on Monday, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, blamed the government for shielding land grabbers and vowed to restore land to owners who have been dispossessed if elected.
Mafabi said powerful and well-connected individuals were forcefully taking over land under dispute or coercing poorer citizens into unfair negotiations, allegedly with the backing of state institutions.
“The Constitution mandates government to protect citizens and their property. Whoever lost their land will get it back. This must stop because all Ugandans are equal before the law, and no one should be evicted from their land,” Mafabi said.
He added that his administration would prioritise land justice and ensure that land is used productively to contribute to national development.
The FDC flag bearer also reiterated his party’s manifesto commitments, including improving the quality of education and health services. He pledged free education for all, improved welfare for teachers and medical workers through accommodation and equal pay, and the provision of free nutritious meals for pupils in public schools.
On health, Mafabi said his government would end what he termed medical tourism by public officials, insisting that Uganda has sufficient resources to establish specialised facilities to provide quality healthcare locally. He accused the current administration of corruption and failing to deliver essential services.
Mafabi called on voters in Kyankwanzi and across the country to turn up in large numbers and support the FDC in the general elections scheduled for January 15.
