NO VOTES FOR LAND GRABBERS! MPs Tell Voters to Reject LC1 Candidates Linked to Land Theft

Leaders in Nakaseke District have urged voters to reject Local Council I (LC I) candidates implicated in land grabbing, saying the integrity of village leaders is critical to protecting communities and ensuring effective implementation of government programmes.

The call was made by Nakaseke Central MP and State Minister for Kampala Metropolitan Affairs, Joseph Kabuye Kyofatogabye, and Nakaseke South MP Charles Nsereko Basajjassubi ahead of the nationwide Local Council I and II chairperson elections scheduled for July 28.

Kyofatogabye said LC I chairpersons are the first point of contact between government and citizens, playing a vital role in implementing and monitoring government programmes at the village level.

He, however, expressed concern that some LC I chairpersons have been implicated in facilitating land grabbing by acting as witnesses or brokers in fraudulent land transactions. According to the minister, such leaders have betrayed the trust placed in them by their communities and should not be re-elected. He urged residents to elect honest, humble and principled leaders who will defend community interests and serve with integrity.

Kyofatogabye also noted that as government continues to decentralise services to the village level, the integrity and accountability of local leaders will become even more important. Basajjassubi echoed the call, saying LC I chairpersons are the leaders closest to the people and should be individuals committed to serving their communities rather than exploiting them.

Although official campaigns for the Local Council I elections are scheduled to run from July 20 to July 27, candidates across Nakaseke District’s 472 villages have already intensified their campaigns ahead of polling day.

Land disputes remain one of the district’s biggest challenges, with some LC I chairpersons accused of benefiting from contested land transactions.

The issue has emerged as a key campaign theme and is expected to influence voting in many villages.

The two legislators made the remarks during the inauguration and blessing of Our Lady of Consolata Catholic Parish, Kapeeka on Saturday. Presiding over the ceremony, Lawrence Mukasa commended Christians and well-wishers for supporting the construction of the parish.

He encouraged the faithful to continue contributing to church programmes and development initiatives to strengthen the Church’s pastoral, education, healthcare and community outreach services.

Our Lady of Consolata Catholic Parish is one of the 32 parishes under the Kasana-Luweero Diocese. Bishop Mukasa noted that the establishment of parishes has contributed to social and economic development in many communities through investments in schools, health facilities and other community programmes.