President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to resolving long-standing land disputes between communities and conservation authorities in the Sebei Sub-region by pledging a definitive boundary demarcation between the Mount Elgon Wildlife Conservation Area and adjacent settlements in Kween District.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate said the move seeks to address decades of tension and recurring human-wildlife conflicts that have strained relations between residents and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) officials.
These disputes have often escalated into violent confrontations over land ownership and grazing rights.
Speaking to a large crowd at Binyiny Primary School playgrounds in Kween District, Gen. Museveni revealed that a previous government team headed by former Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda had been assigned to undertake the boundary demarcation.
However, he noted that the process was disrupted by individuals opposed to the initiative, thereby prolonging the problem.
“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 stated firmly, drawing applause from the gathering.
The President underscored that proper land management and environmental protection are essential for the region’s stability and prosperity. He urged residents to embrace sustainable land use practices to reduce environmental degradation and the occurrence of landslides that frequently devastate the mountainous Sebei Sub-region.
Museveni further disclosed plans to organize a regional conference focused on sustainable settlement planning and disaster risk reduction.
The discussions, he said, will help shape a coordinated approach to resettling people living in high-risk areas and developing climate-resilient communities.
According to the President, those displaced from high-risk landslide zones will be relocated to safer locations, with each household receiving two acres of land and a financial support package of UGX 10 million to aid their resettlement and livelihood recovery.
In addition, Museveni announced that the government will sponsor local leaders from the Rwenzori, Sebei, and Bugisu sub-regions to visit Europe and learn best practices in settlement management and compensation systems used in developed countries.
He also revealed that the government’s cattle restocking program, previously focused on the Lango, Acholi, and Teso sub-regions, will be expanded to include Kween, Abim, and Bulambuli Districts.
The expansion, Museveni said, is meant to help communities recover from the long-term effects of past insurgencies and cross-border cattle rustling, particularly by the Pokot.
In his address, the President confirmed that plans are underway to establish Sabiny University as a public higher learning institution in the Sebei Sub-region.
He explained that the move is part of his broader vision to ensure that every sub-region in Uganda has access to a public university to promote equitable education and regional development.
Museveni also directed an immediate audit into the use of road maintenance funds and the Parish Development Model (PDM) allocations in Kween District.
The order followed concerns raised by Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Hope Atuheire, who reported cases of corruption and misuse of public resources.
He called on local communities to actively monitor the implementation of government projects and to view the Parish Development Model as “their inheritance,” emphasizing that the initiative is designed to transform households from subsistence to commercial productivity.
During the rally, the NRM flag bearer reemphasized the four-acre model as a practical pathway to rural prosperity.
He cited Minister of State for Transport Fred Byamukama as one of the successful farmers who has demonstrated that the model can yield significant income when applied effectively.
Museveni also announced plans to set up a Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Kween District, utilizing 500 acres of land offered by the local government.
The hub will provide free vocational training to youth and women, replicating the successful skills development centers already operating in other parts of the country.
The President further appealed to parents and community leaders to support free universal education, stressing that literacy and skills training are essential foundations for sustainable national development.
Several senior NRM officials accompanied Museveni at the rally, including Rt. Hon. Anita Among, the NRM Second National Vice Chairperson, Calvin Echodu, NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, and Steven Mangusho, NRM District Chairperson for Kween, who presented a comprehensive district development report.
Museveni concluded his address by reaffirming that the NRM government remains committed to ensuring peace, equitable development, and environmental conservation — principles he described as the foundation of Uganda’s transformation journey.
