The head of state, President Yoweri Museveni has applauded the people of Teso Sub-Region for their full co-operation with the government in the construction of the Katakwi – Moroti road by allowing the government start the construction programme before the compensation process even began.
Museveni made the statement during a live radio talk show programme to sensitize the masses in the Teso Sub-Region in particular and Uganda in general on issues hinging on the proposed Land Amendment Bill.
Quoting from the Bible text in the Gospel of Matthew, President Museveni castigated some members of the opposition who act as wolves in sheep skin and try to sabotage government work by telling lies that government wants to steal people’s land. He strongly warned them to stop using their tongues for evil purposes and lies.
“When you come here on radio and don’t tame your tongue, you are supporting evil,” he said.
Mr. Museveni explained to listeners in the Teso Sub-Region and Uganda in general that the Land Amendment Bill seeks to do away with the greedy people who are in the habit of imposing exorbitant and irrational amounts of money to be paid by the government as compensation. He added that such greed leads to the delay in the implementation of government development projects.
He gave assurances that government would pay fair compensation after valuing anyone’s land in which a government project is established. He, however, added that an owner of land is free to recourse courts of law if one is not satisfied with the compensation offered but in the meantime the government project should be ongoing.
The President observed that asking for exorbitant amounts of money, as compensation for land was the same as saying that the person involved did not want roads to be constructed. Mr. Museveni urged NRM leaders to defend the poor and to see to it that government programs reach and help them.
Regarding cattle compensation, President Museveni said it would be done although the project had faced a challenge of verification where, yet again, people were telling lies in order to be compensated. He observed that it is easier to do re-stocking of cattle whether someone lost cows or not.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni this evening heads to Tororo for the same campaign.
