Kadaga outlines Busoga’s development agenda

BUSOGA - The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, has unveiled a comprehensive development roadmap for the Busoga sub-region, prioritising industrialisation, international connectivity, and youth empowerment.

Central to the government’s minimum program for Busoga is the establishment of several industrial parks in Namayingo and Iganga districts to combat unemployment.

Speaking during a press engagement at Kingdom Kampala on May 6th, Kadaga expressed deep gratitude to the people of Busoga for their support and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the region’s most pressing economic needs.

She congratulated President Yoweri Museveni upon his victory and wished him a successful tenure in the next five years.

Kadaga, flanked by the Busoga Kingdom Tourism Minister, Hellen Namutamba, revealed that the Namasagali Industrial Park, commissioned by President Yoweri Museveni, is expected to become fully operational shortly after the presidential swearing-in ceremony.

In a major boost for the region's logistics and tourism sectors, Kadaga announced that Kimaka Airport in Jinja is now ready for commissioning.

She said government is currently awaiting the formal designation of the airport as an international entry and exit point, adding that this move is expected to position Jinja as a global gateway, facilitating direct trade and tourism.

On Infrastructure and Urban Development, she said that efforts are being fast-tracked to complete the Saka Bridge road, which connects Kaliro to the district of Palisa.

Kadaga said all municipalities in the region, including Jinja City, are set to receive additional funding under the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) program to enhance urban welfare and livelihoods.

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga (R) and Busoga Kingdom's Tourism Minister Hellen Namutamba (L) having a light moment after addressing the press at her office at Kingdom Kampala on May 6th. (Credit: Donald Kiirya)

Youth empowerment and trade recovery

Addressing the challenges faced by local traders due to recent trade orders, Kadaga acknowledged that some enforcement went beyond intended geographical boundaries, causing distress.

She pledged government support to help affected residents re-establish their businesses and regain their welfare.

The Deputy Prime Minister also touched on youth empowerment, noting the expansion of the Presidential Empowerment Initiative for Ghetto Youth beyond Kampala to other cities.

Sh100 million, she said, has been provided to help organise and uplift young people out of poverty.

Tourism and international interest

Kadaga also highlighted the regional and  Uganda’s tourism and investment profile, citing recent visits from trade delegations representing Germany, China, Canada, and Rwanda.

She emphasised that the increased drive to market Uganda internationally, coupled with improved facilities in Jinja, will significantly grow the local tourism economy.

Busoga Kingdom’s Tourism Minister, Hellen Namutamba, highlighted that Busoga remains the primary reason Uganda is dubbed the Pearl of Africa, noting that Jinja contributes over 45% of the country’s tourism revenue.

“The President has been a strong partner in tourism development in Busoga. He allocated sh2 billion to elevate Kagulu Rock and over sh15 billion for the Source of the Nile development,” Namutamba said.

Victory celebrations

To celebrate the election results, a series of festivities is planned.

While many will join the national celebrations on May 12th, Namutamba confirmed that Busoga will hold localised victory parties across various districts to honour the efforts of those who spent nights on the roads and in the villages to secure the mandate.