Public Service minister defends oil benefits for Bunyoro, slams opposition “incitement”
The Minister's comments, made on Saturday during a fundraising ceremony for St. John Bosco Primary School in Munteme, Kikuube District, come as a direct response to claims by political opponents that the local community has been left out of the oil wealth.
By George Niyonzima
The State Minister for Public Service, Gace Mary Mugasa, has issued a strong rebuke to opposition presidential candidates, asserting that the people of Bunyoro are already reaping significant benefits from the burgeoning oil and gas sector in their region.
The Minister’s comments, made on Saturday during a fundraising ceremony for St. John Bosco Primary School in Munteme, Kikuube District, come as a direct response to claims by political opponents that the local community has been left out of the oil wealth.
Minister Mugasa firmly dismissed these assertions, outlining the tangible gains for the Banyoro. “The people of Bunyoro are already benefiting and will continue to benefit both directly and indirectly from the oil and gas activities,” she stated.
She elaborated that international oil companies operating in the Albertine Graben are actively investing in the community through various corporate social responsibility programs. “Oil companies are educating people at all levels and employing people,” Minister Mugasa said, highlighting key areas of local engagement.
The Minister took specific aim at National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, accusing him and others of sowing discord. She argued that it was wrong for presidential candidates to “come to Bunyoro and start inciting Banyoro yet oil is a national resource that has to benefit all Ugandans.”
In her defence of the government’s handling of the resource, Minister Mugasa provided a historical context, reminding the audience that oil was first discovered in the region as far back as 1926.
However, she credited the current administration with unlocking its potential, stating it took the “visionary leadership of President [Yoweri] Museveni to start the process of having it extracted.”
The fundraising event itself underscored the community’s developmental needs. Mr. Charles Bigabwenkya, the head teacher of St. John Bosco Primary School, pointed out that the school building slated for renovation had stood for over 70 years, emphasizing the importance of the project for improving learning conditions.
The drive was a success, with over 70 million shillings collected towards the renovation, a contribution that signals community and stakeholder effort towards local development.
