Sebei MPs Set Sights on Resettlement and Tourism Infrastructure Post-Swearing-in

Following their swearing-in ceremony, Members of Parliament representing the Sebei sub-region have declared their immediate legislative priorities. These include the critical resettlement of communities displaced by recent landslides, the enhancement of tourism infrastructure, cattle restocking programs, and the resolution of boundary disputes.

Legislators from Bukwo, Kapchorwa, Kween, and Sironko districts have articulated their focus for the new parliamentary term. Peter Kiti, MP for T’oo County, emphasized the urgent need to resettle hundreds left homeless by devastating landslides in his constituency, which claimed over two dozen lives. He also aims to advocate for irrigation projects in Bukwo, leveraging the district’s fertile land.

Further legislative efforts will target conflicts between conservation authorities and local communities bordering protected areas, with engagement planned with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Ministry of Tourism. Kapchorwa Municipality MP, Patrick Kitiyo, highlighted the importance of upgrading roads leading to Mount Elgon to spur investment and economic growth in Sebei. He also intends to push for the implementation of the Odweri Board report and secure inclusion for Sebei in national cattle restocking initiatives, acknowledging decades of cattle rustling.

Other key concerns raised include the establishment of a referral hospital extension and swift resolution of land disputes to foster stability conducive to tourism. Isaac Malinga Maikut, MP for Soi County, pledged to confront issues of insecurity, cattle rustling, water scarcity, and inadequate social services in Bukwo. He also committed to ensuring fair recruitment and curbing corruption in public institutions.

Julius Nakiyi, MP for Budadiri East, will focus on resolving the landslide crisis, addressing forest boundary disputes, and upgrading health services. He urged displaced residents to accept compensation and relocate to safer areas, while also lobbying for the elevation of Budadiri Health Centre IV to a district hospital. William Chemonges, MP for Kween County, plans to leverage his experience to find lasting solutions for the displacement of the Benet community and address insecurity and compensation delays. Philis Chemtai, Woman MP for Kapchorwa District, will champion women’s empowerment and lobby for development programs to boost household incomes.

The Sebei sub-region, situated on the slopes of Mount Elgon, has historically contended with frequent landslides, land contention, and cross-border cattle rustling.

This report is based on information from The Observer (Uganda).