The Government of Uganda and the Buganda Kingdom have renewed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in the implementation of development programmes and improving service delivery, describing partnership between the two institutions as essential for accelerating socio-economic transformation across the country.
The commitment was made during a high-level engagement held at Mengo on Tuesday, where government officials and Buganda Kingdom leaders discussed ways of harmonising efforts to improve the welfare of communities.
Speaking during the meeting, the Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, said continued dialogue between the central government and cultural institutions is vital for promoting national unity, peace and sustainable development.
Babalanda conveyed greetings from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, saying the Head of State remains committed to maintaining constructive engagement with cultural institutions as partners in Uganda’s development agenda.
She said the meeting demonstrated a shared commitment to dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation, which she described as critical for fostering national cohesion and improving the livelihoods of Ugandans.
The minister noted that Uganda has made significant progress over the past four decades in areas such as peace, infrastructure, education and healthcare, attributing the achievements to visionary leadership, sacrifice and the resilience of the country’s citizens.
Babalanda also reiterated President Museveni’s four pillars for national transformation: patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation and democracy. She urged political, cultural and religious leaders to champion unity while encouraging wealth creation among citizens.
She acknowledged the Buganda Kingdom’s contribution to preserving cultural heritage and mobilising communities to participate in development initiatives, noting that government alone cannot deliver meaningful development without the involvement of cultural institutions, religious leaders, local governments, the private sector and citizens.
“As government, we recognise the important role played by cultural institutions in supporting community mobilisation and development,” she said.
Babalanda pledged continued coordination of government programmes through Resident District Commissioners and Resident City Commissioners, saying stronger collaboration with cultural institutions and local leaders would improve accountability, community participation and the effectiveness of government interventions.
She also cautioned leaders against promoting division and misinformation, stressing that peace and political stability remain fundamental to attracting investment, boosting trade and tourism, and creating employment opportunities.
“Differences in opinion should never weaken our shared commitment to Uganda’s prosperity. Instead, they should inspire constructive dialogue and cooperation,” she said.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a strong working relationship with the Buganda Kingdom and thanked Vice President Jessica Alupo for leading the government delegation. She also commended the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, and the kingdom leadership for hosting the engagement.
The meeting brought together officials from the central government and leaders of the Buganda Kingdom to strengthen cooperation in implementing government programmes and enhancing community partnerships aimed at improving service delivery and socio-economic development.
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