President Yoweri Museveni has credited the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Nadiope Gabula IV, with promoting unity in the region since his enthronement.
According to President Museveni, Busoga has gradually become more peaceful over the past 12 years since Prince William Nadiope Gabula IV was crowned Kyabazinga.
“I am happy to note that since your ascension to the Kyabazinga-ship on September 13, 2014, you have continued to champion peace, unity and development in the Busoga region,” Mr Museveni said.
This was contained in a speech delivered on his behalf by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja during celebrations to mark Kyabazinga’s 12th coronation anniversary in Mayuge on Saturday.
Mr Museveni observed that Busoga Kingdom has remained a beacon of peace and a strong partner in development, education and health initiatives aimed at improving lives of people in region.
Mr Museveni emphasised that traditional institutions are vital avenues for moral renewal, social cohesion and wealth creation.
He reiterated government’s commitment to supporting cultural institutions, saying they play important role in country’s development.
Mr Museveni said that, in recognition of contribution of traditional leaders to development, NRM government decided to restore kingdoms and chiefdoms when it came to power.
“When the NRM captured power in 1986, most of the cultural institutions were in limbo. This is why we restored the cultural institutions in July 1993, to enable people to express their freedom,” Mr Museveni said.
Mr Museveni said government is committed to promoting agriculture, infrastructure and commercial transformation in Busoga.
Mr Museveni praised Kyabazinga’s administration for promoting tourism, education and health initiatives aimed at helping people escape poverty.
Ms Nabbanja told gathering that President Museveni had directed her and other ministers from Busoga to develop a plan to enable people in region to create wealth.
“On Thursday, we were in a meeting with the President, and he told us that he wants all people to develop. He directed us to come up with a Busoga development plan within three weeks. We shall, therefore, have a meeting with ministers from Busoga to brainstorm on the plan,” Ms Nabbanja said.
Ms Nabbanja said President wants residents with small pieces of land to diversify from sugarcane growing into activities such as coffee farming, fish farming around swamps and poultry, which can generate income from small plots of land.
The Kyabazinga thanked government for its support to kingdom.
“In a special way, I thank President Museveni and his NRM government for the support extended to Obwakyabazinga bwa Busoga,” the Kyabazinga said.
He expressed gratitude for large turnout at coronation ceremony, saying it was a sign of unity that kingdom cherishes.
He appealed to parents to educate their children and equip them with skills that will enable them to contribute meaningfully to society in future.
The Kyabazinga further advised his subjects to take advantage of rainy season by growing food crops to help combat hunger and famine.
He encouraged subjects to plant more trees in effort to conserve environment.
Busoga Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muvawala asked Prime Minister to remind President Museveni to expedite handover of kingdom properties that are still under government control.