“I call upon members who have challenges in the party and those with different views to attend the retreat to present all their views and challenges. Here we dont fear different views because we have the brains to resolve issues,” Mao said.
"I see people on social media saying that I promised them a transition and asking how it has not happened. Firstly, you don't believe in me. You don't believe in cooperation, yet at the same time you ask, 'Why are you not doing this?’ During the speakership race, you saw that NRM said that I'm not NRM. I think the speakership race answered that big question," Mao noted.
Bugisu and Sebei sub-regions are still facing various challenges, including land wrangles, climate change, where landslides and floods recently hit the region andvover 15 lives were lost, HIV/AIDS, and high levels of poverty irrespective of the government’s initiative to initiate programs like PDM, Emyooga, and the 4-acre model in the region. This calls for the leaders to intensify efforts to put an end to such.
Recent reports indicate a surge in violence linked to family land disputes in Bukomansimbi and surrounding districts. For instance, on September 16, 2024, a 50-year-old man identified as Umaru Nsubuga was attacked and stabbed to death while other family members were brutally injured.
The murder incident illustrates the severe consequences of land conflicts in Uganda, leading to loss of life and community distress, and the tensions that have been arising within families over land ownership.