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In the serene district of Mayuge, a wave of distress has gripped the local community. The National Forestry Authority (NFA) enforcement team stormed the area, leaving a trail of demolished homes in their wake.
Nearly 13 years ago, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni issued a directive to return the land gazetted for a forest reserve in Mayuge to the local communities.
Sadly, this directive has been met with indifference, as the NFA continues to claim ownership of the land, creating a tense standoff with the affected locals.
Violent demolitions leave many homeless and distraught
In a shocking display of force, the NFA enforcement team launched an attack on two villages in the Kityerera and Malongo sub-counties. Bullets flew, and homes were ruthlessly de-roofed, leaving the locals traumatized and without shelter.
One resident expressed their despair, stating, “We thought the president’s directive was enough to guarantee our stay here, but now we’re left with nothing.”
Amidst the chaos and displacement, Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Nakadama emerged as a beacon of hope. She swiftly intervened, convening a meeting between the affected locals, district leaders, and NFA officials.
Deputy Prime Minister Nakadama intervenes
With a resolute voice, Nakadama urged the NFA to immediately halt the demolitions, emphasizing the importance of respecting the President’s directive.
She declared, “We cannot continue to see our people suffer.” Furthermore, Nakadama pledged to gather stakeholders and demanded that the NFA cover the expenses incurred by the affected individuals.
Michael Okot, the manager of the South Busoga Forest Reserve, attended the meeting and pledged to comply with the Deputy Prime Minister’s directive. He expressed his willingness to cease all demolitions and eviction efforts, promising to engage in further negotiations with the affected communities.
The district leaders and community representatives, relieved by this turn of events, expressed their gratitude for the intervention. They voiced their hope that this significant step would mark the beginning of a lasting solution to the long-standing dispute in Mayuge.
Through the unwavering determination of Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Nakadama, the people of Mayuge find a glimmer of hope amidst their struggles. As the demolitions come to a halt, the path towards resolution and justice begins to take shape.
Check also;
- Tycoon Hamis Kiggundu Furious With KCCA Workers For Destroying Palm Trees In The City
- Katanga Residents Petition Court Over Makerere University’s Threats To Evict Them
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