By Yusuf Obbo
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the 12th Coronation Anniversary of the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, has told Busoga leaders to urgently develop a regional development plan aimed at addressing poverty and transforming the economic fortunes of the region.
Nabbanja said President Museveni had instructed her to mobilise all key stakeholders in Busoga to develop the plan, which should provide practical solutions to the economic challenges affecting communities across the sub-region.
According to the Prime Minister, the President wants the plan prepared within two weeks, with all major stakeholders brought on board, including government ministers, Members of Parliament, local government leaders and the leadership of Busoga Kingdom.
Nabbanja made the remarks on Saturday while representing President Museveni as the Guest of Honour at the 12th Coronation Anniversary celebrations of Kyabazinga William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV in Bunha Chiefdom, Mayuge District.
She said the President believes Busoga must rethink its heavy dependence on sugarcane growing and embrace a wider range of income-generating activities capable of improving household incomes.
“The President wants the people of Busoga to move away from depending mainly on sugarcane and embrace other enterprises such as livestock farming, fish farming and other productive activities,” Nabbanja told stakeholders.
She said the proposed development plan should bring together Busoga’s political, cultural and development leadership to identify priority interventions that can address poverty and create sustainable economic opportunities for the people.
Nabbanja said the President’s directive is intended to ensure that Busoga develops a coordinated strategy for tackling poverty and diversifies its economic activities.
PRESIDENT DONATES SHS30 MILLION
During the celebrations, President Museveni also donated Shs30 million in cash towards the 12th Coronation Anniversary function.
The contribution was communicated as Nabbanja represented the President at the celebrations, which attracted hundreds of dignitaries, political leaders, cultural leaders and other guests from across Uganda.
The Prime Minister said the two-week assignment should result in a concrete regional development framework that brings together government and the Obwakyabazinga Bwa Busoga.
She called for unity among Busoga leaders, saying collective planning and coordination would be important in addressing the region’s economic challenges.
The call for economic diversification comes amid continued government efforts to encourage Basoga farmers to explore alternative sources of income, including livestock and fish farming.
The 12th Coronation Anniversary celebrations were attended by several prominent cultural and political leaders, including the Katukiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, who joined Busoga leaders and other dignitaries in celebrating the milestone in the reign of Kyabazinga Gabula Nadiope IV.
The celebrations provided a platform for discussions on Busoga’s cultural identity, economic transformation and development.
As Busoga marks the 12th year of Kyabazinga Gabula Nadiope IV’s reign, President Museveni’s directive places the development of a coordinated regional plan at the centre of efforts to address poverty, diversify agriculture and improve household incomes across the sub-region
