Robert Kasibante, the National Peasants Party presidential candidate, has pledged to construct community water dams in districts located within Uganda’s cattle corridor.
He noted that many cattle farmers face challenges such as moving their herds over long distances and losing them in large numbers due to a lack of water, especially during the dry season.
The cattle corridor comprises the districts of Kazo, Kiruhura, Sembabule, Lyantonde, Isingiro, and Mbarara City and District. Kasibante also committed to allocating more funds toward the construction of feeder roads in regions characterized by high agricultural productivity.
“When it comes to roads, we have seen that he (Museveni) has tried to make the main roads from Kampala to Mbarara. But now these roads that get food from where the farmers are, the roads are very poor. So I’m coming up to put those roads in place such that it becomes easier for the farmers,” he said.
He further promised to build standard markets for farmers to sell their produce.
“When you look at the markets, they are not up to standard. For the 40 years Museveni has been in power, he has even failed to construct good markets for the peasants, so I’m coming up with the solution,” he said.
Kasibante received loud applause from supporters at the Mbarara Bus and Taxi Park when he promised to upgrade it to modern standards if elected president. “Look at your park — it is really not up to standard. I promise I will construct it if you elect me into power. This is your source of living; you deserve a better place,” he said.
He said that after visiting several districts in western Uganda, it became evident that the youth face a higher unemployment rate compared to the rest of the country. As leader of the National Peasants Party, Kasibante said his government would provide each unemployed youth with a monthly stipend of 200,000 Shillings.
“National Peasants Party, we have got a clear solution for the youth. We have decided to come up with a project of giving 200,000 Shillings to each unemployed youth, and it will be sent to their mobile money accounts — not banks like it is done for PDM and Emyooga,” he explained.
While addressing residents in Bwizibwera-Rutooma Town Council, Mbarara District, Kasibante said he intends to abolish the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), deeming it unnecessary.
“I don’t want to hear the word RDC because there is no reason as to why we have them when we have sub-county chiefs and district councils who can implement resolutions from the Cabinet.”
David Kagimu, a taxi tout in the park, said that although Kasibante may seem unserious to some, he has given them the best hope for the year. He noted that the park has many potholes and floods whenever it rains.