UGANDA, Hoima | Real Muloodi News | Hoima land-grabbing cases are creating significant challenges for youth development programs in the Bunyoro Region, according to Bugahya County Member of Parliament, Pius Rujumba Wakabi. The lawmaker expressed these concerns following President Yoweri Museveni’s address at the National Catholic Youth Conference held at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral in Hoima City.
Wakabi noted that while many residents, including the youth, are ready to adopt government initiatives such as the Four Acre Model for agricultural development, land grabbing in Hoima and Kikuube districts continues to displace people and disrupt progress.
“People are willing to adopt government programs but are being displaced by land grabbers, particularly in districts like Hoima and Kikuube,” Wakabi said. “For instance, someone starting a Four Acre Model project can face eviction before they even begin.”
The Four Acre Model encourages farmers to utilize small land holdings efficiently for diversified agricultural production. However, Wakabi explained that youth who lack land ownership or feel insecure about their family property cannot fully implement such initiatives.
Harriet Businge Mugenyi, the Woman Member of Parliament for Hoima District, emphasized the importance of empowering youth to address national challenges. She described the youth as a critical demographic for Uganda’s future and encouraged them to utilize the lessons and opportunities presented during the conference.
“I encourage the youth to apply the knowledge and advice shared during this conference,” Businge said. “The NRM government prioritizes youth because they constitute a significant portion of the population.”
She further attributed the growing youth population to government policies that have improved child survival rates and healthcare services.
The five-day National Catholic Youth Conference concluded with President Museveni urging the youth to embrace hard work and engage in government development programs. He highlighted the role of initiatives like the Parish Development Model in advancing economic growth and self-sufficiency at the grassroots level.
Wakabi reiterated the need for the government to address Hoima land-grabbing cases, which he described as a growing obstacle to development. He called for intervention to protect the rights of residents, particularly youth, who are eager to participate in development projects but are hindered by land disputes.
“Resolving land-grabbing cases is essential for the success of these programs,” Wakabi said. “Without secure land tenure, youth development initiatives cannot succeed.”
Local leaders and lawmakers continue to advocate for stronger policies to address this problem and ensure sustainable development in the region.
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