Akena referred to historical statements by President Museveni acknowledging the destruction of food supplies and the destitution of about 2.7 million people during that period. He argued that the loss of cattle deprived communities of daily nutrition, household income, school fees, draft power, and soil fertility, leaving effects that continue to be felt today.
Kampala’s waste management system has come under increasing strain in recent years, including during Uganda’s first National Cleaning Day, when the volume of collected waste overwhelmed collection teams and temporarily clogged the Buyala disposal facility.
“By lining up behind a candidate, we feel it is more inclined in creating issues within our communities, including violence… we are saying electoral commission should reconsider and turn this election into a separate ballot, rather than lining up behind a particular candidate for the sake of unity and patriotism of Ugandans,” Oyat said.
“The UPC therefore respectfully calls upon His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, pursuant to Article 91(3)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, to withhold assent to the Bill and return it to Parliament for further scrutiny, wider consultation, and reconsideration,” the statement read in part.
Oyat argued that the proposed law duplicates existing legislation, including the NGO Act, the Anti-Money Laundering Act, and the Political Parties and Organizations Act, while introducing sweeping provisions that could undermine citizens’ rights.
According to reports, the geographical area affected so far covers close to 75 acres of land with homesteads and farmlands (downhill) in Bulambuli to Sironko districts.