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JINJA

The Kyabazinga of Busoga Kingdom, William Gabula Nadiope IV has outlined new programs to be implemented this year in various sectors which include Tourism, Health, Environment and Education alongside other development programs aimed at transforming livelihoods.  

Lukiiko which is the legislative assembly of the Kingdom composed of Kingdom Ministers, Royal Chiefs and Clan Heads, was held at Busoga Kingdom headquarters in Bugembe, Jinja North Division in Jinja City on Saturday held the first session 2024 presided over by Speaker George Mutyabule.  

Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV (middle) addressing Busoga Lukiiko members as he was opening the first Busoga Lukiiko 2024 at the Kingdom headquarters in Jinja City on Saturday. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

At the event, Kyabazinga highlighted a number of areas which he said his government should prioritize.

Referring to the unity and zeal expressed towards the Busoga Royal wedding last year, urged his subjects to continue with the momentum in developing Busoga so as to continue fighting poverty, disease and ignorance.  

Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV addressing Busoga Lukiiko members as he was opening the first Busoga Lukiiko 2024 at the Kingdom headquarters in Jinja City on Saturday. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

Primarily, he said that focus should be on: Education, Tourism, Health plus Sports.

Tourism Promotion

Kyabazinga pledged to continue supporting and promoting domestic tourism together with the central government in a bid to improve economic sustainability in Busoga sub region.

He appreciated the central government and stakeholders working in the tourism sector like the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Busoga Kingdom’s Tourism Ministry led by Hellen Namutamba, Uganda Tourism Board and Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute in Jinja for organising a successful Explore Busoga expedition which he said has marketed Busoga’s Tourism Sites.

“Busoga Kingdom will continue promoting its old and new tourist attraction sites like Busowoko water falls, Itanda falls, Kagulu Rock, Bukaleba Peninsula in Mayuge, Igenge Palace and Budhumbula Mausoleum, Mpumudde hill cultural coronation site, Nendha hill in Iganga and Source of the Nile among others so that they are known in Uganda and World at large,” the Kyabazinga said.

He requested the government through the Ministry of Tourism to support Busoga in re-developing its tourism sites.

Education

In a bid to increase academic performances in Busoga, the King said, the Kingdom has always given bursaries to vulnerable children in Primary, Secondary, Tertiary and University adding that the Kingdom will also continue extending these bursaries to other children including orphans.

He appreciated schools and universities for working in partnership with the Kingdom to provide bursaries to the vulnerable.

The Monarch said that the Kingdom has partners in development adding that it is going to continue strengthening its partnership with donors to transform the abasoga.

Sports

Kyabazinga further said that OBB will continue promoting talent through sports which include Masaza football tournaments, boat racing, bicycle racing and they are soon adding Netball and Rugby to the Kingdom’s sporting calendar.

Health

Kyabazinga said that Busoga Kingdom’s Health Ministry through partners like Busoga Health Forum will put more emphasis in organizing health camps in various chiefdoms and treating various diseases.

He revealed that OBB will soon sign an MOU with National Planning Authority and champion the fight against Hydrocephalus disease in Busoga sub region and this will be done in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Yale University and Cure hospital in Mbale in order to save lives and also reduce on the number of infants between 0-28 days old.

In his remarks, Dr. Muvawala requested Kyabazinga to remind President Yoweri Museveni about his pledges including tarmacking of Budondo-Kamuli-Bukungu road.

He further requested President Yoweri Museveni to find time and meet leaders from Busoga and officials from the Kingdom and discuss the issue of sugarcane growing in the region.

He called for registration of all clans in Busoga and directed the Kingdom’s Minister of Culture, Richard Mafumo to implement the registration exercise.

Diginitaries at the event include: The Monarch who arrived at midday at Bugembe was welcomed by Busoga Kingdom’s Prime Minister Dr. Muvawala Joseph Nsekere who was accompanied by his second deputy Alhaji Osman Ahmed Noor and Royal Chiefs led by the Issabalangira of Busoga (chairman Chiefs Royal Council), Samuel Zirabamuzaale Menhya.