MAYUGE – The Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, has commended the Kyabazinga of Busoga, His Royal Highness William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, for promoting youth skilling and wealth creation initiatives that complement Government programmes.
Babalanda made the remarks on Friday as she joined thousands of Basoga at the Mayuge District Headquarters to celebrate the Kyabazinga’s 12th Coronation Anniversary under the theme, “Strengthening Our Cultural Norms and Values for Development.”
She praised the Kyabazinga for prioritising youth empowerment and household income generation across Busoga, saying his initiatives were in line with Government efforts to address unemployment and poverty.
Babalanda particularly highlighted the Kyabazinga’s recent visit to Budiope West Constituency on September 9, 2026, where he launched the construction of dormitories and a kitchen at Kitaidhumbwa Community Primary School.
During the visit, the Kyabazinga also distributed cocoa seedlings and encouraged residents to embrace coffee and cocoa growing as long-term cash crops capable of improving household incomes.
Babalanda said the Kyabazinga’s emphasis on skilling young people across Busoga complements the Presidential Skilling Hubs established by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to equip young people with practical skills and create opportunities for employment and self-reliance.
She urged the people of Busoga to take advantage of Government programmes, including the Youth Livelihood Programme, Emyooga, the Parish Development Model and the Four-Acre Model, which she described as key interventions for improving household incomes and reducing poverty.
The Minister also commended the Kyabazinga for his support and solidarity towards other cultural institutions, particularly following the death of the mother of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV of Tooro.
She expressed appreciation to the Kyabazinga for sending a delegation led by the Prime Minister of Busoga Kingdom, Dr Joseph Muvawala Nsekere, to represent the people of Busoga at the burial.
Babalanda further rallied Basoga to participate in the fourth edition of the Busoga Prayer Week, organised by the Busoga Consortium for Development for people of all denominations.
The prayer week is scheduled for September 21 to 26, 2026, with organisers calling on residents to pray for the development of Busoga and Uganda.
She also invited the people of Busoga to attend her Thanksgiving ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, at Iringa Township Primary School in Nkondo Sub-county, Buyende District.
President Museveni is expected to officiate at the ceremony as Chief Guest.
Babalanda congratulated the Kyabazinga upon attaining 12 years on the throne and wished him continued success in serving the people of Busoga.
“I congratulate His Royal Highness William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV upon your 12th Coronation Anniversary. Long Live His Majesty,” Babalanda said.
The colourful celebrations were attended by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Third Deputy Prime Minister and Mayuge District Woman MP Rukia Isanga Nakadama, Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga, Busoga Kingdom Prime Minister and National Planning Authority Executive Director Dr Joseph Muvawala Nsekere, Resident District and City Commissioners, Members of Parliament from the Busoga sub-region, district leaders, royal chiefs, religious and cultural leaders, and thousands of Basoga and other well-wishers.
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