By Diana kintu.
The Kyabazinga of Busoga, His Royal Highness William Gabula Nadiope IV, has called on the Basoga people to embrace unity and collaboration as a pathway to development, during celebrations marking the 11th anniversary of his accession to the throne.
The colorful ceremony, held on Sunday at Bugembe, attracted thousands of subjects and dignitaries, including the Right Honourable Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who officiated the event on behalf of the central government.
In his address, the Kyabazinga underscored the importance of collective effort in tackling the region’s most pressing challenges. He pointed to malaria and teenage pregnancies as issues that continue to undermine community progress, urging all stakeholders to take an active role in finding solutions.
“Our strength lies in working together,” the Kyabazinga said. “Busoga was once known as the food basket of this region. Let us embrace government programs designed to improve household incomes and ensure our families can thrive again.”
He also made a heartfelt appeal to fathers, brothers, and community leaders to protect young girls and actively participate in the fight against teenage pregnancies. This call forms part of his Abasadha N’empango initiative, an ongoing program spearheaded by the Kyabazinga Initiatives office to promote inclusivity and prosperity within the kingdom.
Government support for the monarchy was evident at the event. Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda, who also serves as the coordinator between Busoga Kingdom and the central government, praised President Yoweri Museveni for restoring cultural institutions, which she said had strengthened Uganda’s diverse cultural identities.
Babalanda hailed the Kyabazinga for his leadership in uniting the Basoga and promoting peace, noting that this has enabled the people of Busoga to fully benefit from national socio-economic transformation programs.
“Your wise leadership has kept the Basoga united and peaceful, which makes it easier for government interventions to succeed here,” she remarked. She also reminded the Basoga to remain steadfast in their support for the National Resistance Movement (NRM), describing it as the surest way to safeguard the development gains made under President Museveni’s leadership.
As the celebrations drew to a close, Minister Babalanda joined the crowd in saluting the Kyabazinga with the traditional call of “Kyabazinga Afunvughe,” followed by cheers of “Long Live President Yoweri Museveni.”
The event not only highlighted the Kyabazinga’s 11 years of stewardship but also reaffirmed the strong partnership between the Busoga Kingdom and the central government in advancing unity, culture, and socio-economic progress.