Isingiro heroine visited by the president

I visited my good friend Maria Augustina Mutahangarwa, 91, in Isingiro District. During the war against Idi Amin and later the Obote regime.

She used to offer me sanctuary from soldiers who were hunting for me whenever I was crossing into or coming from Tanzania. I am glad that the good Lord continues to give her good health.

I also met FRONASA veterans in Isingiro at Kikagate Primary School. When we got here in December 1978, we recruited about 200 combatants and by the time we overthrew Idi Amin in 1979, we had about 9,000 fighters.

This struggle laid a firm foundation for Uganda and I am grateful to those who joined us in this liberation war. Uganda is now focused on development because peace and security is guaranteed.

About the long dry spell that has affected Isingiro, we should know that we are paying a price for environmental degradation. People have encroached on wetlands, forest reserves, river banks and lake shores, interfering with the ecological system. All these encroachers should leave peacefully. Government will help resettle them.

Isingiro will soon get piped water from River Kagera. We shall also establish an irrigation scheme. For those with means, I urge them to procure solar-powered water pumps to do their irrigation. Also, consider planting drought-resistant crops like cassava, millet and Irish potatoes.