Government and Buganda Kingdom Pledge Enhanced Cooperation for Uganda's Development

Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, has emphasized the government’s dedication to deepening cooperation with the Buganda Kingdom. She highlighted that constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and collaboration are vital for promoting peace, national unity, and driving Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

During a recent meeting at the Buganda Kingdom headquarters in Bulange, Mengo, a government delegation led by Vice President Jessica Alupo met with Buganda’s Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga, and his cabinet. Minister Babalanda conveyed President Museveni’s commitment to engaging with all cultural institutions for the nation’s development.

Babalanda noted that Uganda has achieved significant progress over the past four decades, attributing it to sustained peace, political stability, and targeted government initiatives in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. She stressed that safeguarding these gains is a shared responsibility, ensuring that all citizens benefit from the country’s development.

The Minister reiterated President Museveni’s developmental agenda, anchored on Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-Economic Transformation, and Democracy, calling for joint efforts from all leaders to promote unity and prosperity. She also acknowledged the Buganda Kingdom’s crucial role in preserving cultural heritage, mobilizing communities, and fostering social cohesion.

Several government wealth creation programs, including the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, were highlighted as tools to improve household incomes. Babalanda stated that development requires more than just government action; it necessitates active participation from cultural institutions, religious leaders, the private sector, and citizens.

Babalanda underscored that enhanced collaboration between the central government and the Buganda Kingdom would streamline development efforts and ensure government programs effectively reach the populace. She also emphasized the importance of preserving peace, security, and political stability as the bedrock of national development.

Vice President Alupo conveyed President Museveni’s interest in meeting with the Kabaka and county chiefs, viewing the engagement as the start of a stronger partnership aimed at improving citizen welfare. Katikkiro Mayiga welcomed the continued dialogue, emphasizing the shared responsibility of serving the people and the need for continued cooperation in sectors like agriculture, health, and education.

Mayiga also presented the Kingdom’s concerns to the Vice President, including the need to intensify the fight against corruption, address insecurity, and improve transportation infrastructure, particularly in Kampala. The meeting was described by Joseph Mukasa Ssewava, President Museveni’s Special Envoy on Buganda Affairs, as an important step towards a more structured relationship between the central government and the Buganda Kingdom.

Source: Nile Post