Mukono District to Cancel Illegal Forest Leases

Mukono District LCV Chairperson, Hon. Francis Lukooya Mukoome, has pledged to strengthen security structures, combat illegal occupation of government forests, and ensure accountability for public resources as part of efforts to promote good governance and sustainable development across the district.

Mukono LC.5 Chairperson Francis Lukooya Mukoome addressing stakeholders.
The commitment was made during a district security meeting held at the Chief Administrative Officer’s Boardroom, which brought together members of the District Executive Committee, District Speaker Hon. Hajji Asuman Muhumuza, Deputy Speaker Hon. Gashigu Mulamira, sub-county and town council chairpersons, officials from the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, Government Internal Security Officers (GISOs), the Deputy District Internal Security Officer (DISO), town clerks, sub-county chiefs, and other stakeholders.
The District Secretary for Finance, Planning and Administration, Hon. Tony Kalyango, called upon both political and technical leaders to focus on service delivery now that the election period has ended. He stressed the importance of teamwork between elected leaders and technical staff in addressing community needs.
The District Secretary for Works and Production, Hon. Winfred Nakaddu, revealed that road infrastructure improvement would be a major priority during the new financial year. She urged sub-county chiefs to submit comprehensive work plans to facilitate effective planning and implementation of road projects, noting that a significant number of roads inspected across the district were in poor condition.
The Secretary for Education, Health and Community-Based Services, Hon. Anna Lubulwa, announced plans for a district-wide data collection exercise targeting unemployed youth and single mothers. The exercise, to be conducted through Community Development Officers and local leaders, will help government plan targeted interventions and support programmes for vulnerable groups.
While welcoming the newly elected local government leaders, Hon. Lukooya congratulated them upon their election and reminded them of their responsibility as heads of security within their respective jurisdictions. He expressed concern that many leaders have not fully embraced their security oversight role and called for the revitalization of security committees and regular submission of security reports from all sub-counties and town councils.
The District Chairperson LCV noted that security challenges in Mukono extend beyond crime and include public health concerns, land conflicts, and environmental degradation. He identified land wrangles as one of the most pressing challenges facing communities, attributing many disputes to irresponsible land subdivision and the sale of ancestral land by land dealers without proper consideration of family interests.
Hon. Lukooya urged leaders to remain vigilant and work closely with security agencies to address land-related conflicts before they escalate. He also encouraged Government Internal Security Officers to remain committed to the principles of patriotism and national development while supporting government programmes at the grassroots level.
On the Parish Development Model (PDM), the Chairperson emphasized the need for transparency and integrity in the selection of parish committee members. He warned that appointing untrustworthy individuals could undermine the effectiveness of government poverty alleviation programmes and lead to misuse of public funds.
He further called for accountability in the management of road funds, noting that Mukono District maintains more than 2,500 kilometres of community access roads and approximately 380 kilometres of district roads. Hon. Lukooya stressed that all resources allocated for road maintenance must be utilized responsibly and pledged close monitoring of infrastructure projects to ensure value for money.
The District Chairperson also revealed plans to pursue former government employees who allegedly misappropriated public funds while serving in Mukono District before transferring to other stations.
“The law allows government to hold accountable those who misuse public resources, regardless of where they are currently stationed. We shall work with the Ministry of Local Government and relevant authorities to ensure that anyone who embezzled government funds is brought to justice,” he said.
On environmental protection, Hon. Lukooya issued a strong warning against illegal occupation and exploitation of government forest reserves. He stated that his administration would work closely with the Minister for Internal Affairs, Hon. Kahinda Otafiire, to investigate and revoke illegal leases acquired on protected forest land.
He explained that forest reserves can only be degazetted through lawful procedures involving approval by Parliament and that no individual can legally occupy or utilize forest land without proper authorization and an approved management plan.
“I have been disappointed to see individuals holding questionable and illegal leases on government forests. Working together with the relevant authorities, we shall ensure such leases are cancelled and protected areas preserved for future generations,” Hon. Lukooya emphasized.
Mukono District Deputy DISO, Mr. Gusango Robert Nickson, urged local leaders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies by holding monthly security committee meetings and regularly submitting reports. He noted that inactive security structures have contributed to land encroachment, unlawful evictions, and other security challenges within communities.
Mr. Gusango also cautioned former political leaders who lost elections but have failed to hand over government property, warning that legal action would be taken against those who continue to withhold public assets.
The district security meeting highlighted Mukono District’s renewed commitment to strengthening security, promoting accountability, protecting public resources, and addressing key development challenges facing local communities. Leaders emphasized the importance of active security committees, responsible management of government funds, environmental conservation, and effective service delivery.
Stakeholders pledged to work together to combat land conflicts, safeguard forest reserves, improve infrastructure, and support vulnerable groups through government programmes. Through stronger collaboration between political leaders, technical officers, security agencies, and local communities, Mukono District aims to build a more secure, accountable, and prosperous future for all its residents.