Prime
Bunyoro Kingdom unveils plans for satellite town
Bunyoro Kingdom officials show King Solomon Gafabusa Iguru (C) the site for the proposed satellite town in Rwengabi village, Hoima District last Friday. Photo by Francis MUGERWA.
HOIMA
Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom has unveiled plans to set up a satellite town it hopes will create investment opportunities that will spearhead development of the kingdom.
The Omukama, Dr Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I, last Friday visited the site in Rwengabi village, Kabwooya Sub-county, Hoima District amid heavy military and police deployment.
The land is contested by the kingdom and area residents. The cultural institution insists the property belongs to the kingdom and is his hunting ground but residents say they are the bonafide occupants. On December 3 last year, clashes between kingdom supporters and the settlers left more than 70 houses burnt and scores of people injured.
The kingdom leaders used the Friday visit to outline how their subjects will benefit from the satellite project.
“We plan to set up a town, a university and a hospital in this area. Let us unite and develop Bunyoro Kingdom which has lagged behind due to the effects of colonialism,” the king told the gathering at Kaseeta Primary School.
“Do not follow people who want to divide you. I will not evict anyone from this area. I want you to co-exist with the planned development,” Dr Iguru added.
Kingdom deputy prime minister Blasio Mugasa said they also plan to set up industries in the area and bring services nearer to the people.
The king also visited the contested Rwengabi village, which sits on a 30-square mile piece of land. The cultural leader’s convoy was led by a police patrol car and heavily armed UPDF soldiers.
