President Yoweri Museveni has pledged to establish a permanent army battalion in Kamwenge District to strengthen security for communities living near Kibale National Park.
Kamwenge has previously suffered rebel attacks, the most recent occurring in December 2023 when 10 people were killed by suspected fighters of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
The President made the commitment on Monday while campaigning at Kyabenda Primary School playground in Kahunge Town Council, Kamwenge District. He was responding to an appeal from Frank Tumwebaze, the Member of Parliament for Kibaale County and also the National Resistance Movement District Chairperson for Kamwenge, who asked government to set up a permanent army detachment to protect residents living near the forest.
Tumwebaze also requested the government to compensate residents whose property was destroyed during the attacks. He further asked the President to establish an industrial park in the district, noting that Kamwenge has offered five square miles of land from the Rwamwanja refugee settlement for the project.
He added that since the people of Kamwenge want to venture into extensive coffee farming, the government needed to establish coffee seedling nursery beds and a coffee processing factory in the area.
In his response, President Museveni assured residents that government would deploy a permanent army battalion in the area and directed leaders in Kamwenge to identify land where the military facility will be constructed.
The President also used the rally to advise farmers in Kamwenge to reduce reliance on maize and instead invest in more profitable enterprises such as coffee, fruits, and dairy farming. He noted that only large-scale maize farmers earn good returns, while smallholders continue to struggle with low prices.
Museveni encouraged households to adopt his four-acre model farming practice, describing it as a proven pathway to stable family income and wealth. He added that government programs will continue supporting farmers who shift to high-value crops and enterprises.
Residents of Kamwenge welcomed the security pledge, saying the army presence will restore confidence among communities living near the forest and allow them to carry out their daily activities without fear.
Oliver Kansiime says that many people fled their homes after the attacks, but with the establishment of a battalion, they expect calm to return and displaced families to resettle.
Osbert Mushabe, however, says compensation is still needed for gardens and other property destroyed during the rebel attacks. Peter Musinguzi, another resident, appealed to government to urgently address poor roads, electricity shortages, and water scarcity in the district.
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