Kalembe to stop Sebei-UWA land conflict

Ms Nancy Linda Kalembe has pledged to end land conflicts between Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and communities living around Mt Elgon National Park when voted president.

Ms Kalembe, who is the only woman in the presidential race, said she is aware of the boundary conflicts in the districts of Kween, Bukwo and Kapchorwa, which she said the ruling NRM government has failed to solve due to poor leadership.

Speaking at Kaserem Sub-county headquarters in Kapchorwa District yesterday, Ms Kalembe said the unending land conflicts have also  affected the economic growth in the sub-region, leaving affected residents in abject poverty.

“People can’t now develop their land because they are uncertain of the future. I am going to ensure this unnecessary tension is brought to an end,” she said.

The long standing conflict between the residents living near Mt Elgon National Park in Sebei and UWA has often resulted in loss of lives.

Mr David Mangusho, an elder in Binyiny Town Council, Kween District, said the current government has failed to settle the land question in Sebei.

“It is now more than three decades and some of our people are still living in IDP camps in Kwosir, Benet and in Bukwo. We are only going to vote for a president who is ready to settle our people,” he said.

Ms Kalembe also said the country currently needs a female president to heal it from the dictatorial tendencies.  She explained that its evident, globally that women make better leaders compared to men.

Ms Kalembe blamed poor access to healthcare, education and continued police brutality on lack of focused leadership by the ruling government.

“We have been lied to believe that a president has to be a military person but I am telling you today that we do not need military men because this is the reason, we are suffering,” she said.

Ms Kalembe also said her government will fight corruption and other vices which cripple service delivery.

“My government will make it extremely expensive to whoever indulges in corruption. When someone steals government funds, he or she will be jailed to send a strong message to the rest,” she said.