The Land Crisis and the Path Forward
Mr. Yoweri Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party presidential candidate for the 2026 election, has addressed the ongoing land crisis in Uganda, emphasizing the need for a long-term solution that involves securing more funds to pay off landlords. During a rally at Bukalasa Agricultural College in Luweero District, he outlined his vision for resolving the issue of land evictions and highlighted the importance of government intervention.
The Kibanja holder, who occupies non-titled land, should not be evicted by the landlord, according to Mr. Museveni. He explained that landlords have no authority to cut off any piece of land from a Kibanja holder. While landlords may complain about the Busuulu, an annual nominal ground rent, Mr. Museveni stressed that this is more about recognition as a landlord than financial compensation.
When a landlord sells the land to another person, the Kibanja holder remains on the land, while the new buyer only holds a piece of paper. This policy was approved by the Lands ministry in Kampala. However, Mr. Museveni noted that some landlords refuse to accept the Busuulu. To address this, plans are underway to bank the unpaid Busuulu at the sub-county special account. Ultimately, he believes that the government must secure funds to pay off the landlords, which will require additional resources.
He mentioned that the current money in the Land Fund is insufficient, and there are many other priorities such as security, roads, and healthcare. However, with the anticipated influx of petroleum revenue starting in 2026, Mr. Museveni is optimistic that the Land Fund can be boosted significantly.
Historical Context and Political Implications
Luweero has historically been a stronghold for Mr. Museveni, serving as the epicenter of the guerrilla war that brought him to power in 1986. Despite this, the area has remained largely impoverished, with many residents unable to afford quality education for their children. This has contributed to the recent success of the Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) in the district, which swept most elective positions in the previous general election.
Mr. Museveni also addressed the issue of extra fees charged under the free education schemes. He criticized the practice, stating that it is illegal and should be stopped. He promised to tackle the problem through the recruitment of 50,000 additional teachers. For decades, the lack of a clear feeding program in UPE schools has led to high dropout rates and absenteeism due to hunger among students. Mr. Museveni has repeatedly threatened to arrest headteachers who pressure parents to pay for lunch fees.
Voices from Luweero
Residents and officials from Luweero have shared their concerns with the next president:
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Erasto Kibirango, the Luweero District LC5 Chairperson: “We need an affirmative action plan as the people of Luweero. It is true that the government is helping in the completion works for the Luweero Hospital 100-bed facility and the district office block, but we need more in the area of budgeting and special projects.”
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Alice Nalwanga Katende, Councillor for elderly at Wobulenzi: “We are talking about the government compensation of the war veterans, but several of the war veterans say that they have never been compensated. The NRM Mecca has a poor road network, which has partly demoralized NRM party supporters.”
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Mr. Sam Kigula, the Nakasongola District LC5 Chairperson: “Government had earlier embarked on an exercise to identify areas and landlords willing to surrender land to the government for payment through the land fund, but this program has been slow. The issue of the nuclear plant should also be clearly explained to communities.”
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Joseph Kawenja, resident of Makulubita Sub-county: “Most of the roads in many rural areas are in a very poor condition. We also want the new government after the 2026 election to improve or make better supervision of the different government projects. The people messing up government projects should be arrested and removed from office.”
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Hussein Kato, Councillor- Bombo Town Council: “Luweero as a region needs affirmative action in terms of projects. Our NRM leaders are not telling the real facts about the common man’s challenges including the land evictions.”
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Annet Nakaggwa, Katikamu Sub-county, Luweero: “Our roads network is very poor. At times the contractors assigned the duty of maintaining the roads do shoddy work. Many of the roads in Katikamu Sub-county are impassable.”
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Rogers Sunday Bwanga, Council Speaker, Nakasongola: “The new government plan to construct a nuclear plant at Kalungi Sub-county without clear plans on how the families are likely to get displaced poses a big threat. We have one of the poorest road networks in the country.”
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Abdul Nadduli, former Cabinet minister: “We still have many cases of our people that are illegally evicted from land yet they are bonafide occupants.”
Conclusion
As the 2026 election approaches, the land crisis and its implications remain a central issue for Ugandans. Mr. Museveni’s proposals aim to address these challenges through increased funding, improved governance, and targeted policies. However, the voices of the people in Luweero and other regions highlight the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to development. The next government must prioritize the needs of the common citizen, ensuring that all Ugandans benefit from the nation’s growth and progress.
