Cabinet has approved Shs62 billion to support the resettlement of landslide victims in the Mount Elgon sub-region as part of government efforts to move households from high-risk areas to safer locations.
The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting on October 5, 2026, according to a statement presented by the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba, on Tuesday.
Cabinet also approved the purchase of 2,217.66 acres of land at an estimated cost of Shs8.87 billion for the resettlement programme.
Under the arrangement, each household that opts to receive land will be allocated two acres valued at Shs8 million and Shs10 million to construct a house.
Cabinet approved Shs18 million for each of the 1,423 households living in areas classified as being at very high risk of landslides.
A further 10,558 households in high-risk areas require Shs190.044 billion for resettlement, with Cabinet approving that the money be provided through a supplementary budget.
The affected households will be required to vacate the risky areas after receiving resettlement support and hand over the land to government. The land will subsequently become part of the area managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
The Office of the Prime Minister will work with the Internal Security Organisation, local governments and Parish Development Model structures to monitor the proper use of the funds.
The Cabinet resolutions were among several decisions taken on October 5 and September 28.
Cabinet also approved the establishment of a public university in the Busoga sub-region, to be known as Iganga University.
Namasagali will become a constituent college of the university, with marine and fisheries departments, while other inherited campuses will also be incorporated.
The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development is expected to provide Shs89.998 billion to establish and operationalise the university, subject to Parliament’s approval.
In the road sector, Cabinet approved borrowing up to €142.68 million to upgrade two roads in western Uganda to paved standard.
They include the 47-kilometre Humurwa-Karere-Kanungu Road and the 32-kilometre Kinyantorogo-Butogota-Buhoma Road.
Cabinet authorised the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to seek Parliament’s approval for the borrowing.
On regional integration, Cabinet approved the ratification of instruments adopted by the East African Community Summit, including amendments to recognise French and Kiswahili as official EAC languages and regulations on the mutual recognition of academic and professional qualifications.
Cabinet also approved the proposed Uganda Railways Bill, 2026, which is intended to replace the Uganda Railways Act and address emerging issues including technological advancement, changing markets and urban mobility.
It further approved a proposal to issue a €405 million sovereign Sukuk to finance a section of the Malaba-Kampala Standard Gauge Railway.
The Cabinet statement also announced that this year’s Independence Day celebrations will be held virtually from State House, Entebbe, under the theme, “Embracing our sovereignty with hope and visionary leadership.”
Only 30 dignitaries and a few religious leaders are expected to attend the celebrations physically.
The fifth National Commemoration of Bishop Hannington Day will be held on October 29 at Kyando Hill in Mayuge District, with President Museveni expected to attend as chief guest.
