By KT Reporter
The Benet/Mosop community, in the Sebei sub-region, has threatened to boycott the upcoming National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary elections, citing decades of unfulfilled promises of permanent resettlement.
The Benet, a marginalised indigenous group, were evicted from Mt. Elgon National Park in the early 1990s following its gazettement. Since then, thousands have lived in makeshift conditions with limited access to education, healthcare, clean water, and other essential services.
Speaking to Uganda Radio Network (URN), Mary Koreny, a resident of Mulungbwa village in Kaseko Sub County, said the planned boycott is a protest against repeated broken promises by political leaders.
“It is very unfortunate that they have continued to promise permanent resettlement without any action. The only time they come to interact with us is during elections. This time, we have decided to show our displeasure by boycotting the NRM primaries,” said Koreny.
David Musobo, a resident of Kizito village in Kitowoi Sub County, Kween District, said leaders continue to cite the community’s temporary settlement status as a reason for denying them basic services.
“We are sidelined when it comes to education, roads, and health services, all because we’re said to be living on temporary land. This boycott is a wake-up call. Maybe then we will be fully resettled and know where we belong,” said Musobo.
Patrick Cheptoek, a native of Kapsewiy village in Kwoti Sub County and currently based in the United States, described the situation as one of deliberate neglect.
“Our people continue to suffer because successive governments have failed to provide a permanent resettlement solution. Politicians come to us during campaigns, make promises, and disappear soon after. As long as this continues, marginalisation and conflict will persist,” he said.
Local leaders within the NRM have also acknowledged the growing public frustration. Benna Chebet, the Women’s Councillor for Teryet Ward, said the resistance being witnessed during this campaign season is a matter of concern.
“The community is very angry. They don’t want to hear any more empty promises about resettlement or about ending the conflicts with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). As a mother, I understand their pain,” said Chebet.
Denis Kiplangat Kamakete, the NRM Chairperson for Kaseko Sub County, admitted that the political environment has become increasingly hostile.
“People are tired. You can lie once or twice, but the third time, they demand answers. We are urging the government, through the office of the Resident District Commissioner for Sebei, to urgently resolve the Benet issue and fulfil the promises made,” said Kamakete.
Fred Chebet, former LCIII Chairperson of Benet Sub County, warned that political participation in the area is deteriorating rapidly.
“Every morning, when you tune into local radio stations in Sebei, most of the callers are complaining about UWA brutality, the lack of social services, and the unfulfilled promise of resettlement. The frustration is real,” Chebet noted.
Mande David, Chairperson of the Benet Lobby Group, said the boycott is not just a political statement but a call for long-overdue accountability.
“Every election cycle, authorities remember the Benet community exists. Then we’re forgotten again. This boycott is not just political, it’s a cry for dignity and justice,” Mande said.
Although the government previously allocated land in Yatui and Kawowo parishes for the Benet’s resettlement, many families remain in limbo, without legal ownership, permanent housing, or protection from UWA operations.
During a recent visit to Sebei under the Parish Development Model (PDM) program, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni addressed the issue in a press conference with journalists.
He revealed that the government had previously secured land for the Benet community during the tenure of Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda as Prime Minister. The land, located in an area locally known as “London,” was meant for permanent resettlement.
“I was informed that land was identified during Prime Minister Rugunda’s time. I want to follow up on what happened and why the community was not resettled as planned,” President Museveni said.
As the NRM prepares for its primary elections ahead of the 2026 general polls, the looming boycott by the Benet community threatens to deepen political tensions and voter apathy in Sebei if no concrete steps are taken to address their long-standing grievances-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
