Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) chairman Odrek Rwabwogo has strongly responded to allegations made by Kasambya County MP Daudi Kabanda, accusing him of attempting to tarnish his reputation through what he described as false claims.
Rwabwogo, who is President Yoweri Museveni’s son-in-law, dismissed allegations that he grabbed government land in Kiruhura District for personal benefit, saying his actions have always been focused on promoting industrial development and supporting communities.
In his response, Rwabwogo said he was deeply hurt by accusations against him because, according to him, they do not reflect the values he was raised with.
He explained that his family taught him honesty, integrity and respect for other people’s property, insisting that he cannot take what does not belong to him.
Rwabwogo said some people use lies to damage the names of others, adding that he believes such actions are driven by jealousy and hatred.
“I tell you this not to brag but to show how Satan uses people to tell lies about others to tarnish their names,” Rwabwogo said while defending himself against the accusations.
He gave an example of a land dispute involving property he bought in Kakyeera, explaining that after discovering an issue involving church land, he chose to seek the truth instead of fighting.
According to Rwabwogo, investigations showed that several people, including the church, had encroached on portions of the land, but he decided to surrender 63 acres to the church after discussions with local leaders and religious officials.
He said his decision demonstrated that he values fairness and peace more than personal interests.
Rwabwogo also defended the Nshaara Industrial Park project in Kiruhura, saying the initiative was created to promote agro-industrialisation and create opportunities for local farmers.
He rejected claims that the project was a cover for benefiting himself, explaining that investments had been made in meat processing, coffee production and other agricultural activities.
The PACEID chairman said plans for a large abattoir were affected by challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic, shortage of cattle supply and difficulties in obtaining export certification for international markets.
He explained that his team has continued working on solutions, including improving Uganda’s food certification systems to help local products access more markets.
Rwabwogo also defended his milk factory in Rushere, saying it has supported farmers by purchasing milk worth billions of shillings over several years.
He dismissed claims that farmers were left unpaid, saying the factory changed its approach after an intermediary who had received money to collect milk failed to deliver as expected.
He said the company later started working directly with farmers to ensure they benefit from the business.
Rwabwogo further criticized his attackers, questioning what they had done to improve the lives of ordinary people in their communities.
He pointed to projects such as supporting schools, churches, water access and industrial investments as evidence of his commitment to development.
The businessman also responded to criticism over his visits to opposition figures in prison, saying compassion and reconciliation should not be viewed as political weakness.
He argued that Uganda’s future depends on people learning to listen to each other and respecting the law regardless of political differences.
Rwabwogo said he will not be intimidated by attacks against him and vowed to continue promoting what he believes is the right path for the country.
He concluded by urging Ugandans to reject what he called false accusations and focus on unity, development and truth.
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