In the heart of Kasokoso-Kiganda, a densely populated area in Kira Municipality, thousands of families have been living in fear—afraid that the land beneath their homes could be taken away at any moment.
But during a visit on his Parish Development Model (PDM) tour, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni gave them something many have not had in years: hope.
Speaking to a large crowd that had gathered to meet him, the President acknowledged that it was his first time hearing about the Kasokoso land dispute, which involves more than 258 acres of contested land claimed by the Uganda Police, National Housing, and private individuals.
“I was aware of issues in Bukasa, but this Kasokoso situation is new to me,” Museveni told the crowd. “I’m going to study it. Within one and a half months, I will resolve it.”
His words were met with cautious applause—many in the audience have heard promises before. But for residents who have already been evicted and are now sleeping in churches and mosques, even a promise offers a glimmer of relie
The land dispute was brought to the President’s attention by Mr. Muyanja Umar, the NRM Chairperson for Kira Municipality. He explained that over 20,000 people are affected—many of them informal settlers, ghetto youth, and low-income families who have lived on the land for decades.
“This is about our homes, our children, our futures,” said one resident, who didn’t want to be named. “We just want to live in peace, without the fear of eviction.”
President Museveni responded with urgency, pledging a thorough investigation and resolution within six weeks
As the visit continued, residents voiced other pressing concerns—particularly the mismanagement of funds under the PDM and Emyooga initiatives, meant to uplift communities from poverty.
Ms. Namutebi Doreen, a soft-spoken resident of Kireka, bravely took the microphone to explain how her community formed SACCOs (savings and credit cooperatives), only to be sidelined when funds were allegedly given to friends and relatives of local leaders.
“We did everything right. We formed the SACCO, attended the meetings. But when the money came, they told us it was gone,” she said.
In response, Museveni urged citizens to take active roles in monitoring how public funds are managed. “You must all be involved,” he said. “Know how much money has come into your SACCO, and make sure it’s shared fairly.”
He promised to send Hon. Ssozi Galabuzi, the national coordinator of the PDM, to investigate the structures and systems in Kasokoso to ensure transparency and fairness.
As a gesture of support, the President donated UGX 30 million to the Kasokoso SACCO and pledged to capitalise every SACCO in Kira Municipality with UGX 100 million.
However, Museveni didn’t hold back when addressing the community’s political choices. Using a Baganda proverb, “Eyetuze tebamukaabira” (no one mourns the one who takes their own life), he criticised residents for voting for opposition MPs whom he accused of doing little to support the community.
“You voted for people who don’t care about your problems,” he said. “They take their salaries and disappear. Don’t let them deceive you again.”
For many young people in the area, the President’s visit was more than a political event—it was a moment of recognition.
Ivan Nyombi, coordinator of the Kira Ghetto Structure, said this was the first time in a long while that the voices of the youth had been truly heard. “Funds have been coming, but we’ve never seen them,” he said. “We needed someone to see us as we are. The NRM has done that.”
Erias Ssentaayi, another resident, shared how his support for the ruling party cost him his home. “I was evicted in 2021 because of my political beliefs,” he said. “But I haven’t lost hope.
The President’s visit marked day four of his five-day wealth creation and PDM assessment tour in Wakiso District. While political overtones were clear, the heart of the visit lay in addressing the real, everyday struggles of ordinary people—land, livelihood, and dignity.
For the people of Kasokoso, the next six weeks will be a test—not just of the government’s promises, but of whether those in power are truly listening.
