Members of Parliament (MPs) called on the Minister of the Presidency, Hon. Milly Babalanda to draw the President’s attention to the land issue in the Bunyoro region.

They also said that complaints against the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) soldiers for alleged harassment also required a great deal of attention and investigation.

Both challenges are crippling socio-economic development and all government efforts to reduce poverty until the situation is stopped in time.

Hon. Pius Wakabi, Buhahya County MP, said he had recorded many cases where innocent people were left landless and lost their livelihoods.

He proposed that positive steps be taken to ensure land security, which could include the issuance of free land titles in his constituency as an important tool to save poor communities from eviction.

Hon. Harriet Businge, the district’s female MP, highlighted the issue of harassment by security agents implementing the operation to eradicate illegal fishing on Lake Albert.

She asked the Ministry of the Presidency to influence an executive decree to help balance the operation against illegal fishing with the rights of the people who depend on the lake for food and income.

They were speaking at a belated celebration of International Women’s Day in the Hoima district.

Hon. Babalanda pledged to take the issues highlighted to the highest level. As chief guest, she called for vigilance on border security to prevent the experience of Lhubiriha High School in Kasese being attacked by terrorists.