Odrek Rwabwogo, the chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), has strongly responded to accusations made by Kasambya County MP Daudi Kabanda over allegations involving land ownership in Kiruhura District.
Rwabwogo dismissed claims that he grabbed government land, saying the accusations were unfair, damaging and based on false information. He insisted that he has always respected the law and the property of others.
Speaking in response to the allegations, Rwabwogo said he was deeply hurt because many people did not know his background and were quick to believe accusations made against him.
“I was raised from a Christian family. My parents taught us honesty and respect for God. We never lie, and we can never take what is not ours,” Rwabwogo said.
He argued that his upbringing and personal values could not allow him to engage in activities such as land grabbing, saying his faith guides his decisions in business and public service.
Rwabwogo used examples from his past to defend his character, including a land dispute where he claimed he voluntarily surrendered 63 acres to a church after discovering possible boundary issues.
He said he could have legally claimed the land because of the time he had occupied it, but chose to seek the truth and hand it back to the church.
According to Rwabwogo, such actions show that he is not someone who takes advantage of others, accusing his critics of trying to damage his reputation.
“The Bible tells us that jealousy is as cruel as the grave. But we remain focused on our work despite the attacks,” he said.
The PACEID chairman also defended the Nshaara Industrial Park project in Kiruhura, saying it was established to promote industrial development and create opportunities for farmers.
He explained that his companies invested in coffee production, meat processing and dairy activities, but some projects faced challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic and difficulties in accessing international markets.
Rwabwogo said plans for a major abattoir were affected by shortages of cattle and delays in obtaining export certification for the Chinese market.
He added that his team continues to work on solutions, including improving Uganda’s food certification systems to help local producers access global markets.
Addressing claims about his milk factory in Rushere, Rwabwogo said the facility had supported farmers by purchasing billions of shillings worth of milk over several years.
He denied allegations that farmers were unpaid, saying the factory had changed its approach after an intermediary who had received money to collect milk failed to deliver as expected.
Rwabwogo also criticized Kabanda’s political approach, accusing him of attacking fellow NRM members instead of strengthening the party’s ideology and unity.
He recalled an incident from 2015 when he said Kabanda was among people he had recruited for mobilisation activities before allegedly replacing him after a disciplinary issue.
The PACEID chairman said leaders should focus on building Uganda rather than engaging in personal attacks and spreading accusations.
He also defended his decision to visit opposition figures in prison, saying compassion and reconciliation should not be viewed as political betrayal.
Rwabwogo maintained that Uganda needs dialogue, respect for the law and unity among citizens regardless of political differences.
He concluded by saying he would not be intimidated by criticism and would continue serving communities while defending what he believes is right.
The exchange between Rwabwogo and Kabanda has attracted public attention, with both sides maintaining their positions on the allegations and the wider debate about accountability, leadership and public resources.
