Robert Kyagulanyi, the President of the National Unity Platform Party, has strongly condemned the alarming issue of land grabbing in the Greater Luweero districts, which has left numerous residents landless.
The matter was brought to the forefront by Members of Parliament from the area, including Brenda Nabukenya, Luttamaguzi Ssemakula, and Allan Mayanja, during a rally held at Kasana playgrounds as part of Kyagulanyi’s mobilization tour in Luweero District.
The legislators alleged that land grabbing in the region is being orchestrated by officials aligned with the ruling government, causing significant harm to the local population. They noted that many people have lost their land, while others have perished without obtaining justice.
Mathias Mpuuga, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, highlighted the area’s deficiencies in healthcare and education services, despite its historical contribution to the war that brought President Yoweri Museveni to power.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Kyagulanyi paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the National Resistance Army War of 1981-1986 and under the present government. He expressed his disappointment that the people who once fought alongside them to capture power have now turned against them, participating in land grabbing and other detrimental practices.
Kyagulanyi also criticized a small group’s disproportionate benefits from state resources and their alleged plan to promote Museveni’s son as his successor, continuing the exploitation of the nation. He emphasized that these issues would persist unless residents rise up and lead another struggle to liberate themselves from the current National Resistance Movement (NRM) regime.
In recognition of his ongoing fight, Kyagulanyi received traditional symbols of encouragement, including a backcloth, spear, and shield. Luweero was historically a stronghold of support for President Museveni’s party due to the guerrilla war that brought them to power. However, in the 2021 elections, Kyagulanyi’s party made significant gains in the region, highlighting the shifting political landscape.
The presidential results for Luweero reflected this shift, with Museveni receiving only 27.94% of the votes, while Kyagulanyi secured 70.45%. The large crowds that greeted Kyagulanyi during his visit indicate that the area continues to lean towards the opposition.