The Katukiro of Busoga Kingdom Prime, Owek. Dr. Joseph Muvawala, has challenged leaders in the region to collectively advocate for a quality university that responds to Busoga’s educational, skills-development and socio-economic aspirations.
Owek. Dr. Muvawala made the remarks on Wednesday while presiding over the third day of the 2026 Busoga Prayer Week at Christ Cathedral Bugembe, where religious, cultural and community leaders gathered for prayer, reflection and dialogue on issues shaping the future of the region.
He questioned what he described as a “low-standard university” being offered to Busoga, arguing that the region deserves an institution capable of delivering quality education, developing relevant skills and contributing meaningfully to its long-term socio-economic transformation.
Dr. Muvawala called for collective engagement by Busoga leaders with the relevant authorities on the matter. He specifically challenged Hon. Stephen Kisa, Member of Parliament for Luuka South and Chairperson of the Busoga Prayer Week Organising Committee, to engage the Speaker of Parliament and advocate for an outcome that reflects the aspirations of the people of Busoga.
The Katukiro also urged Busoga to take greater responsibility for strengthening its institutions and communities rather than relying entirely on government and external actors.
He called upon religious leaders to ensure that institutions under their stewardship are managed by competent and accountable leadership. He particularly urged the Bishop of Busoga Diocese to appoint capable boards to oversee Anglican-founded schools.
Dr. Muvawala further called on leaders to avoid allowing past disagreements to determine the region’s future.
“Let us not bring the past when building Busoga,” he said.
He emphasised that rebuilding Busoga must begin at the individual and household level, urging leaders and citizens to demonstrate the change they want to see within their own homes and communities.
He encouraged families to consider how they can become productive, support one another, create opportunities and contribute to the development of their communities.
In his sermon, Rt. Rev. Prof. Dr. Grace Lubaale, Bishop of Busoga Diocese, reflected on the theme “Let Us Rise Up and Build Busoga,” drawn from Nehemiah 2:11–20.
Using Nehemiah’s rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem as a leadership lesson, Bishop Lubaale highlighted seven key leadership principles that he said Busoga can draw from as it seeks to rebuild and transform the region:
1. Start with Prayer and Reliance on God
Nehemiah prayed and fasted before making requests and taking action. Bishop Lubaale urged leaders to seek God’s guidance and recognize that lasting success requires more than human effort.
2. See the Needs and Assess Reality
Effective leadership requires confronting challenges honestly. Like Nehemiah, leaders should assess the situation on the ground, understand the needs of their people and make informed decisions.
3. Have a Clear Vision
Nehemiah had a clear vision for rebuilding Jerusalem. Bishop Lubaale emphasised the importance of establishing a shared direction that gives people purpose and hope.
4. Plan Diligently and Strategically
Nehemiah prepared for the journey, secured the necessary resources and organised the work into manageable tasks. Busoga, he noted, must similarly combine vision with careful planning and execution.
5. Build and Empower a Team
Nehemiah understood that he could not rebuild the walls alone. He mobilised families and workers, delegated responsibilities and encouraged collective ownership of the project.
6. Maintain Resilience in the Face of Opposition
Despite criticism, threats and opposition, Nehemiah remained focused on the mission. Bishop Lubaale urged leaders to remain committed to development while addressing challenges with wisdom and resilience.
7. Lead with Integrity and Selflessness
Nehemiah demonstrated servant leadership and accountability. Bishop Lubaale called on leaders to serve the interests of the people, uphold ethical standards and exercise responsibility with integrity.
Bishop Lubaale noted that Nehemiah’s successful completion of the rebuilding project demonstrated the importance of faith, unity, leadership, planning and collective action.
Turning Public Programmes into Household Prosperity
Dr. Muvawala also called for renewed focus on programmes that can directly improve household incomes and accelerate economic transformation in Busoga.
He encouraged beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) to use the funds productively so that public resources translate into sustainable household incomes, enterprise growth and local economic development.
He welcomed the increase in the PDM financing limit from Shs1 million to Shs5 million, while emphasising the need for greater financial inclusion and access to banking services to enable communities to save, invest and grow their enterprises.
The Katukiro further encouraged religious leaders to use their platforms to help communities understand government programmes and to promote responsible and productive utilisation of public resources.
The third day of the Busoga Prayer Week therefore brought together prayer, leadership reflection and development dialogue, reinforcing the call for Basoga to take collective responsibility for rebuilding their region.
The 2026 Busoga Prayer Week continues under the theme:
“Let Us Rise Up and Build Busoga” — Nehemiah 2:18.
Present during the service was Dr. Mula Anthony Director General BCD, Hon. Kisa Stephen Chairman Busoga Parliamentary Caucus and Chairman Organising Commiitte of the 2026 Busoga Prayer Week, Hon. Brandon Alex Kintu Former MP Kagoma, among others.
