Odrek Rwabwogo, the chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), has strongly responded to allegations made against him by Kasambya County MP Daudi Kabanda, insisting that his upbringing and Christian values do not allow him to take what does not belong to him.
Rwabwogo said he comes from a family where honesty was highly valued, adding that his parents raised him with strong principles of faith, truthfulness and respect for other people’s property.
“I was raised from a Christian family. We never lie. God was gracious to us. He gave us life and educated us. We can never take what is not ours,” Rwabwogo said.
His remarks came after Kabanda accused him of benefiting from government land in Kiruhura District, claims that Rwabwogo strongly rejected and described as attempts to damage his reputation.
Kabanda had alleged that Rwabwogo acquired about seven square miles of land under the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) after presenting plans for a major livestock and milk processing project.
The legislator questioned whether the land had been used for the intended purpose and raised concerns about whether local communities had benefited from the developments associated with the project.
However, Rwabwogo dismissed the accusations, saying his investments in Kiruhura were aimed at promoting industrialisation, creating opportunities for farmers and supporting Uganda’s economic transformation.
He explained that the Nshaara Industrial Park was created as an agro-industrial project focusing on areas such as livestock processing, coffee production and value addition.
Rwabwogo said people accusing him of land grabbing were ignoring the efforts and resources invested into building projects that support farmers and create employment opportunities.
He recalled an incident involving land he personally bought in Kakyeera, where he said he later discovered that part of the land had boundary issues involving several parties, including a church.
According to Rwabwogo, instead of fighting over the disputed land, he chose to investigate the matter, involve relevant authorities and find a peaceful solution.
He said after a survey was carried out, he discovered that some sections of the land had been encroached on by different people and he decided to surrender 63 acres to the church.
Rwabwogo argued that his decision showed his character because many people would fight to keep land they legally purchased, but he chose reconciliation and fairness.
He said his actions were guided by his Christian upbringing and not by personal interests, insisting that he does not believe in taking advantage of others.
The PACEID chairman also defended his investments in Kiruhura, saying his projects have been designed to benefit communities through agriculture, employment and improved markets for farmers.
He explained that his milk factory in Rushere has purchased billions of shillings worth of milk from local farmers, creating a market for livestock keepers in the area.
Rwabwogo said his efforts have always focused on helping communities grow economically rather than benefiting himself alone.
He also accused some critics of spreading allegations without understanding the amount of work and resources required to establish industrial projects.
According to him, Uganda needs more people investing in factories, agriculture and value addition instead of discouraging those trying to create economic opportunities.
Rwabwogo further said he would not be distracted by criticism and would continue working towards industrial development and supporting farmers.
He maintained that his faith, family values and personal principles remain the foundation of his actions, adding that he has nothing to hide regarding his investments and projects.
The response has added to the ongoing public debate between the two NRM figures, with supporters from both sides closely following the accusations and counter-accusations over land, investments and party leadership issues.
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