Busoga Kingdom and the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the Kyabazinga Initiative and expand child-focused development programmes across the sub-region.
The partnership will focus on challenges affecting children, including child marriage, school dropout among girls, and the protection and promotion of children’s rights and welfare.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Jinja on Friday, Unicef Uganda Representative Robin Nandy said the partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to improving the lives of more than 2.2 million children living in Busoga.
‘This MOU is a reaffirmation of Unicef’s commitment to ensuring that every child in Busoga survives, thrives, learns and is protected. Together with Busoga Kingdom, we can reach communities more effectively and create lasting change for children,’ Mr Nandy said.
He said sustainable development requires close collaboration with communities and cultural leaders, who can influence attitudes and behaviour at the grassroots.
‘When cultural institutions take the lead in championing children’s rights, communities listen. That is why we are investing in this partnership to ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential,’ he said.
As part of the partnership, Unicef donated a Land Cruiser, five motorcycles, laptops, amplifiers and other equipment to support community mobilisation, training and monitoring activities across Busoga.
Busoga Kingdom’s Second Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Ahmed Noor Osman, described the agreement as a commitment to safeguarding the future of children in the region.
‘This is more than a signed document. It is a promise to every child in Busoga that their voices will be heard, their dreams protected and their future nurtured through collective action,’ Mr Osman said.
The Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Gabula Nadiope IV, welcomed the partnership, saying the Kingdom would continue working with development partners to improve children’s welfare.
‘Busoga needs more partners and investors who are willing to walk with us as we build a healthier, more educated and prosperous generation. Together, we can transform the lives of our children,’ the Kyabazinga said.
Speaking under the theme, ‘Men Are the Pillars of Our Homes and Communities,’ the Kyabazinga called on fathers and community leaders to take greater responsibility for protecting children and supporting their education.
‘Every child deserves the opportunity to remain in school until at least the age of 18. We must work together to end child marriage, protect our girls and raise responsible leaders for tomorrow,’ he said.
The Kyabazinga said the involvement of cultural institutions, community leaders and development partners would help ensure the initiative reaches communities across Busoga.
‘If we unite behind this cause, we will build stronger families, stronger communities and a brighter future for every child in Busoga,’ he said.