Museveni breaks ground for construction of sh130b Busoga Kingdom headquarters in Jinja

JINJA - President Yoweri Museveni, on Friday, November 21, 2025, launched the construction of a modern, multi-billion-shilling Busoga Kingdom headquarters in Jinja City.

The event marks a historic milestone for the kingdom and the entire sub-region.

The colourful ground-breaking ceremony, which took place at the current kingdom premises, was one of the highlights as Museveni concluded his penultimate campaign rally in the Busoga sub-region at Iganga District headquarter grounds.

The President was received by the Kyabazinga of Busoga, His Majesty William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, together with senior kingdom and government officials led by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Third Deputy Prime Minister  Rukia Nakadama, and Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister,  Justine Kasule Lumumba.

Also in attendance were Busoga Kingdom Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muvawala, his deputies Prof. Muhamadi Lubega Kisambira and Osman Ahmed Noor, kingdom ministers, religious leaders, Hereditary Chiefs led by Isabalangira (Chief Prince) of Busoga Samuel Nkuutu, and other dignitaries.

(L-R) Agricultural State Minister Fred Kyakulaga, Minister of General Duties in the OPM Justine Lumumba Kasule, Third Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Nakadama, First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, President Yoweri Museveni, Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV, Busoga Kingdom's 2nd deputy Prime Minister Alhaji Osman Ahmed Noor, Prof. Muhamadi Lubega Kisambira, Kyabazinga Affairs Minister Yudaya Babirye, Busoga Kingdom's Culture Minister Richard Mafumo and Busoga Kingdom's Minister of Finance Ivan Kiirya, in a group photograph after the ground breaking ceremony for construct of ObwaKyabazinga Bwa Busoga headquarters at the Kingdom headquarters in Jinja City on Friday. (Credit: Donald Kiirya)

Religious leaders at the events included Assistant Mufti in Busoga sub-region Dr. Hussein Bowa, deputy Mufti Sheikh Ali Waiswa, East Busoga Diocesan Bishop Hannington Suubi and Busoga Diocese Bishop elect Prof. Dr. Grace Lubaale.

After performing the symbolic ground-breaking, President Museveni received a brief about the architectural master plan and architectural designs of the new headquarters, which was delivered by the Chief Executive Officer of National Housing and Construction Company Limited (NHCC), Eng. Kenneth Kaijuka.

The NHCC boss revealed that the ambitious project, covering 76 acres of unencumbered land, is estimated to cost UGX 130 billion and will be implemented in phases.

 "The headquarters will serve two major purposes: as the official world seat of the Kyabazinga and as a commercial hub to ensure the kingdom’s long-term financial sustainability,” Eng. Kaijuka further explained.

Key features of the ultra-modern complex include

• A seven-stored administrative building designed to reflect Busoga’s royal hierarchy.

•  Offices for the Inhebantu (Queen)

•  Offices for all 11 hereditary chiefdoms of Busoga, which emphasise preservation of existing historical structures

•  Conference facilities and auditorium

•  A museum

•  Media centre

•  Cultural village for tourism

• Royal gardens and public function areas

Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV (L) in a private meeting with President Yoweri Museveni (R) at Busoga Kingdom headquarters on Friday. (Credit: Donald Kiirya)

After the inspection and ground-breaking, President Museveni invited  Kyabazinga to the presidential tent, where they had private talks.

In a private interview, Busoga Kingdom’s Second Deputy Prime Minister, Osman Ahmed Noor, described the day as historic.

“This development is a follow-up to discussions His Majesty the Kyabazinga held with His Excellency the President in 2023. For over 100 years, we have operated from these old buildings you see behind us. The ultra-modern headquarters will boost both our cultural pride and business activities,” Osman said.

He thanked President Museveni for what he referred to as a generous gesture that has made all Basoga proud.

After the groundbreaking ceremony, President Museveni proceeded to his final campaign rally of the day at the Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe, Jinja City, where he addressed thousands of NRM supporters.

The new Busoga Kingdom headquarters, once complete, is expected to become a major cultural, administrative, and economic landmark not only for Busoga but for the entire Eastern Region and Uganda as a whole.