When we were graciously received at Igenge Palace

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OPINION

By Kenneth David Mafabi

On October 3, 2025, we were privileged to be graciously received by His Majesty the Kyabazinga of Busoga, Isabirye William Gabula Nadiope IV - at his Igenge Palace in Bugembe, Jinja City.

I was accompanied by Special Presidential Assistant/Special Duties - Barbara Nabirye, and Compatriots Druscilla Bagabo and Prossy Namanda.

We held a meeting with the Kyabazinga, which focused on transformative development initiatives aimed at uplifting the Busoga region of Uganda - through innovative agricultural and educational projects. We particularly addressed critical challenges in post-harvest handling of crops and produce, and on fostering leadership development among Busoga’s youth.

Addressing His Majesty, the Kyabazinga, I highlighted the staggering 60-70% post-harvest losses faced by farmers in the region, emphasising the need for comprehensive and effective Post-Harvest management of crops and produce.

The focus would be on equipping local farmers with skills and infrastructure for improved harvesting, processing, and value addition to agricultural products, such as matooke, to curb food loss, enhance export potential, and boost the local economy.

This would complement the Parish Development Model (PDM) by addressing possible gaps, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

My colleague Special Presidential Assistant/Special Duties – Barbara Nabirye, emphasised the importance of increasing both the quality and quantity of agricultural produce to eradicate poverty in Busoga.

“We need to ensure proper packaging and transportation to prevent food loss and enable exports,” said Nabirye.

She presented to the Kyabazinga, Her Majesty the Inhebantu of Busoga, the Royal Princes of Busoga, and Ministers of Obwa Kyabazinga bwa Busoga, educational materials she has developed. These included books aimed at teaching children under 10 years about Wealth Creation and essential life skills - fostering a new generation of informed and capable leaders.

Special Presidential Assistant/Special Duties, Barbara Nabirye, also addressed the issue of establishing a specialised leadership school for children aged between eight to 18 years, in the Kingdom.

She elaborated that the institution would offer a customised curriculum and tutoring, to nurture future leaders in Busoga, Uganda and Mother Africa - indeed, the World.

Nabirye explained that the children of the (top 1%) that run the globe like the new money, billionaires, political dynasties and “first-class families” inherit not only vast financial assets, but also critical responsibilities in business, governance, philanthropy and diplomacy.

She added that such children need to be enrolled in the specialised leadership school.

In Uganda, which is becoming a knowledge-based society, an empowered next generation equipped with wealth, governance, diplomacy, global economics, innovation, sustainability, and crisis preparedness can empower the Ugandan people to reclaim their voice, reclaim their place in the world order of things - right from Busoga, to Uganda to Africa and later to the world; innovating solutions, and building fairer systems,” she added.

While conventional elite schools provide high – quality education, they do not fully integrate the curriculum of power that these children require: some which includes; advanced studies in global economics, diplomacy, innovation, artificial intelligence, sustainability, family enterprise governance, etc.

“This ensures continuity of leadership, stability in global elite circles, and strategic preparedness for future crises and opportunities- not to mention the benefits that lie there in for the Kingdom,” Nabirye concluded.

I, then noted that the school would provide a unique educational approach to prepare next generation for cultural and economic contributions to the Kingdom, and Uganda.

His Majesty the Kyabazinga warmly welcomed the interface, describing it as vital in Busoga’s progress.

He requested the State House delegation to work with Obwa Kyabazinga bwa Busoga in the development of detailed concept notes for further review and expressed enthusiasm for collaborating on these projects. This would lead to focused engagement on the issues, and mapping a clear trajectory into the future.

“These are very good initiatives. We need value addition and leadership development to move Busoga forward,” the Kyabzinga remarked.

He emphasised the importance of leveraging modern technology to enhance educational outreach and ensure the sustainability of these projects.

The Kyabazinga also acknowledged the delegation’s commitment, noting his long standing acquaintance with David Mafabi and appreciating the team’s efforts to involve the youth and broader Busoga community in development efforts.

He encouraged continued collaboration, stating, “We shall move together to concretise these ideas for the benefit of our people.” The visit marks a significant step toward fostering development in Busoga, with the proposed Post-Harvest Loss management effort, and the leadership school poised to address critical economic and educational needs.

The delegation pledged to work to concretise the proposals and ensure their successful implementation in partnership with the Kingdom of Busoga. They informed the Kyabazinga that they would report in full to President Yoweri Museveni, regarding the interface. They wished the Kyabazinga, the Inhebantu and the Royal Twins, the best of Health and God’s blessings.

Present at the meeting were: The Royal Chiefs from the 11 Royal Chiefdoms led by the Chief Prince (Issabalangira) Samuel Nkuutu Zirabamuzale, Busoga Kingdom’s Permanent Secretary Godfrey Ssajjabi Samanya, Busoga Kingdom’s Minister of Finance Owek. Ivan Kiirya, Busoga Lukiiko Speaker George Mutyabule and other members of the Royal family.

The writer is a Senior Presidential Advisor/Political Affairs (Special Duties) State House kdavidmafabi1@gmail.com