For seven days, communities, faith leaders, political leaders, cultural leaders and development actors gathered across Busoga under one call: “Let Us Rise Up and Build.” The 4th Busoga Prayer Week turned prayer into a regional conversation about unity, responsibility and the work required to build a stronger Busoga.

On 21 September 2026, Busoga began a journey that was bigger than a calendar of religious gatherings. Across seven days, prayer became a meeting point for faith, leadership, community and the future of a region. The 4th edition of the Busoga Prayer Week, coordinated by the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD) in collaboration with the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU), Busoga Chapter, brought together the region under a simple but demanding biblical call: “Let Us Rise Up and Build,” drawn from Nehemiah 2:18. The IRCU Busoga Chapter denominations involved included; Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox, Pentecostals, Seventh day Adventists and Muslims.

The words of Nehemiah carry a particular force when placed against the aspirations of Busoga. They are not merely words about construction. They speak about people who looked at what had been broken, gathered courage, united around a purpose and decided to rebuild. For Busoga, the message became an invitation to look beyond differences and ask a more difficult question: What must each of us do to help build the future we want to see?

The Prayer Week therefore carried two dimensions at once. It was deeply spiritual, with different faith communities taking turns to lead prayer and reflection. But it was also a regional platform through which leaders and communities confronted questions of education, household transformation, youth and children, wealth creation, land, electricity, research, social responsibility, political and religious cohesion and the wider socioeconomic transformation of Busoga.

Across the week, the said six religious denominations deeply participated in the programme. Their presence was more than ceremonial. It offered a visible expression of the possibility of standing together without erasing the identities of the different faith traditions. In a region whose transformation requires collective action, this unity carries practical significance.

The week also demonstrated the importance of leadership at Regional and community level. From 21^st September, a special leader was assigned to share a message of leadership in rebuilding Busoga. On 21^st September, the Rt. Hon. Rebecca A. Kadaga 1^st Deputy Prime Minister and Patron of the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD) rallied all the economically prosperous Basoga out of Busoga to return home to establish homes, set up investments and contribute to the sub-region’s transformation, on 22^nd Sept, Owek. Dr. Joseph Muvawala Katukiro of Busoga Kingdom rallied the people of Busoga to raise up above differences and unite around a common purpose for the transformation of Busoga, day 3 (three) was led by the catholic faith with Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba Minister of ICT and National Guidance using the opportunity to make a call for household transformation and creating an wakening that the fight against poverty requires the participation of each individual at the household level, Hon. Princess Persis Namuganza graced the orthodox day of prayer as Guest of honour where she called on faith institutions to actively participate in mobilising all people of God in wealth creation as a means to complimenting government efforts to steering transformation, while Dr. Mula Anthony Director General BCD together with Hon. Kisa Stephen the Chairman Organising Committee pledged the technical and parliamentary coordination to facilitate timely and favourable decision making as well as prompt execution of agreed policies and initiatives.

Mayuge District, as host of the regional climax, became a major centre of mobilisation. Local leaders, religious leaders, community structures and other stakeholders worked to bring people into the programme. Rt. Hon. Rukia Isanga Nakadama, 3rd Deputy Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Busoga Ministerial Committee, supported a two-day mobilisation drive across Mayuge, reinforcing the message that regional transformation requires active participation rather than passive attendance.

The journey reached its climax on Sunday, 27 September, at Mayuge District Headquarters. From the early morning arrival of guests to the interfaith prayers, scripture readings, sermons, intercessions, speeches, anthems and closing moments, the gathering brought together a wide cross-section of Busoga. More than 2000 people were estimated to have participated in the final gathering, reflecting the scale of community interest and mobilisation around the Prayer Week.

At the heart of the final service was the recognition that transformation begins with a people willing to work together. Religious leaders prayed for the economy and wealth creation, the land of Busoga, unity, the Kingdom, children and youth, political and religious leadership, the work of the Busoga Consortium for Development and Uganda as a nation. The prayers moved beyond individual concerns and placed the future of the region before God.

The message of building also appeared in the voices of leaders. The gathering created space for political, religious, cultural and development leaders to speak about the responsibilities that accompany leadership. The presence of different categories of leaders illustrated that Busoga’s challenges cannot be solved by one institution or one sector. Government, local governments, faith institutions, cultural institutions, civil society, communities and individuals each have a role.

One of the most powerful lessons of the week was that prayer cannot become an excuse for inaction. The biblical story that inspired the theme is a story of prayer followed by inspection, organisation, courage and work. In the same way, the Prayer Week invited Busoga not only to ask for God’s intervention but also to examine its own responsibility. If households are to prosper, people must embrace productive enterprise. If children are to thrive, communities must protect education and their future. If the region is to develop, leaders and citizens must work together and protect the common good.

The Prayer Week also provided a platform for community stories and testimonies. These stories matter because development is not experienced through statistics alone. It is experienced in households, schools, farms, churches, mosques and villages. They remind us that transformation is ultimately about people whose daily lives can become more secure, productive and hopeful.

The participation of the media extended the reach of the programme beyond those physically present. Coverage and live broadcasting helped carry the conversations about Busoga to wider audiences. The Prayer Week therefore became not only a gathering but also a public narrative about a region seeking renewal through faith, unity and collective responsibility.

Yet the greatest test of the Prayer Week will come after the microphones are switched off and the tents are removed. A prayer gathering becomes transformative when its message continues into everyday decisions. The real measure is whether leaders continue the conversations, whether communities act on the lessons, whether institutions cooperate more closely and whether the development priorities raised during the week become practical action.

That is why “Let Us Rise Up and Build” should not end on 27 September. It should become a way of thinking. It should challenge the student to build through education, the farmer to build through productive agriculture, the entrepreneur to build through enterprise, the leader to build through service, the parent to build through responsible families, the faith community to build through unity, and every citizen to ask what contribution they can make.

Busoga does not need spectators to its transformation. It needs builders.

The 2026 Busoga Prayer Week brought thousands together in prayer. Its deeper invitation is to bring millions together in purpose. The wall that must be built is not made of stones alone. It is made of trust, discipline, education, enterprise, responsible leadership, community cooperation, faith and a shared conviction that the future of Busoga is worth building.

Nehemiah’s people did not rebuild because the wall was easy. They rebuilt because they decided that what had been broken did not have to remain broken. That is the spirit with which Busoga must move forward.

Let us rise up. Let us build. And let the work that follows our prayers become the testimony of what we believed.

The Prayer Week has ended, but the work continues. Join the conversation and share: What part are you playing in building a stronger Busoga?

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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.

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Rice farmers in Namutumba District are scheduled to experience a major shift in production following the successful introduction of a new high-yield WDE75 hybrid rice variety that demonstrats strong performance even under drought conditions.

The WDE75 hybrid rice variety was introduced by the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD) earlier this year through the FAO China–Uganda South-South Cooperation Project Phase III to support smallholder farmers with improved, climate-resilient rice technologies.

In response to the impressive feedback from the pionner pilot farmers, the Director General of the BCD Dr. Mula Anthony revealed plans to scale up the pilot demostration during the next season attracting more interest from local farmers to participate.

Dr. Mula together with Ms. Xu Xiaoli (Cheery) Zoeve seed company, Busoga Kingdom Minister for Agriculture Owek. Samuel Nathan Nkenga, district leaders and officials from the China–Uganda FAO South-South Cooperation Programme witnessed the first harvest of the WDE75 hybrid rice variety during the field visit to Nawaibete Swamp along the Kibaale–Ivukula Road in Ivukula Sub-county, Namutumba District.

Speaking at the demonstration farm, Ms. Xu Xiaoli said the WDE75 variety had undergone testing by the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) and had proven to be one of the most promising rice varieties for farmers.

She explained that the variety combines high productivity with resilience, making it suitable for farmers looking to move from subsistence production to commercial rice farming.

“Based on the performance we are seeing, this variety has the potential to become one of the best rice varieties for farmers in the future, especially those intending to produce rice for commercial purposes,” Ms. Xu said. The rice variety is said to yield 3 times higher than the local paddy breed that is currently grown across Busoga.

Despite the prolonged drought during the previous growing season, the improved rice variety recorded significantly higher yields compared to the traditional rice varieties that farmers have grown for years. The performance has attracted neighbouring farmers who have visited the demonstration gardens to compare the new variety with their own varieties.

As a result, the demand for the new rice varriety WDE75 has shot up with more community farmers requesting to access the hybrid seeds.

Ivukula Sub-county Agricultural Officer Mugomba Iva said the new variety had demonstrated better resilience against harsh weather conditions compared to traditional rice varieties.

He said expanding the project would help increase rice production, improve household incomes and strengthen food security among farming communities.

One of the pioneer farmers, Steven Balikowa, said the demonstration plots had changed farmers’ views about improved seed.

“Farmers have been coming to these gardens to compare what they see here with what they have been growing. Many are now ready to adopt this improved rice variety because of its performance,” he said.

Speaking during the visit, BCD Director General Dr. Anthony Mula said BCD, together with the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, FAO South-South Cooperation Programme, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and other partners, will expand the pilot project to reach 100 farmers, with each farmer cultivating one acre of WDE75 hybrid rice in the next season.

The Resident District Commissioner of Namutumba said Government would support the initiative and encouraged farmers to embrace improved agricultural technologies while following Government guidelines on sustainable wetland use.

Busoga Kingdom Minister for Agriculture Owek. Samuel Nathan Nkenga praised BCD and its Chinese partners for selecting Namutumba as a beneficiary of the project, saying the initiative directly supports farmers through improved agricultural technology.

“DG, we want to thank you and the Chinese partners for choosing Namutumba. You have saved us because this project is directly benefiting our farmers,” Owek. Nkenga said.

The introduction of WDE75 hybrid rice in Busoga is part of efforts to accelerate agricultural transformation under the region’s Vision 2030 agenda. BCD says the project complements other initiatives in soybean production, poultry development and soya milk feeding programmes being implemented in different districts across Busoga.

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The 4th Edition of Busoga Prayer Week 2026 was officially launched at the Civil Service College, Jinja, bringing together religious, cultural, political, and development leaders from across the Busoga Sub-region in a renewed call for unity, prayer, and collective action towards the region’s transformation.

The launch marked the official flag-off of preparations for Busoga Prayer Week 2026 which will take place from 21st–27th September 2026 under the theme:”Let Us Rise and Build Busoga” (Nehemiah 2:18).

The week-long programme will culminate in the Main Prayer Gathering on 27th September 2026 at the Mayuge District Headquarters where thousands of people from across Busoga and beyond are expected to gather in prayer for the region.

The 3rd Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Rukia Isanga Nakadama, officially flagged off Busoga Prayer Week 2026 and reaffirmed the Government of Uganda’s commitment to supporting the annual interfaith initiative.
She called upon leaders and communities across Busoga to embrace unity of purpose and use the Prayer Week as a platform to promote peace, development, improved livelihoods, and the realization of Busoga Vision 2030.

Responding to concerns raised by regional leaders regarding delayed infrastructure projects, Rt. Hon. Nakadama explained that some road projects had slowed due to ongoing efforts to eliminate corruption within the responsible ministry.

She assured participants that the Government remains committed to completing the projects and addressing the region’s infrastructure needs.

She further encouraged continued collaboration between government, religious institutions, cultural leaders, and local communities in driving Busoga’s socio-economic transformation.

Religious Leaders Emphasize Education

Speaking during the launch, Rt. Rev. Paul Hannington Suubi, Bishop of the East Busoga Diocese, described education as the cornerstone of Busoga’s transformation.

He urged parents to support learners in government schools particularly through school feeding programmes, emphasizing that “a hungry child cannot learn effectively.”
The Bishop encouraged parents not to be discouraged by criticism surrounding school feeding initiatives but instead view them as an investment in their children’s future.

He noted that Busoga’s aspiration of becoming Uganda’s model leading economy by 2030 depends on nurturing an educated, skilled, disciplined, and empowered generation.

Prayer and Development Must Go Together

Dr. Mula Anthony, Director General of the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD), said the Prayer Week has grown into a strategic platform that combines spiritual renewal with practical development.

Quoting Nehemiah 2:18 — “So they said, ‘Let us rise up and build.’ Then they set their hands to this good work.” — Dr. Mula said the scripture perfectly reflects Busoga’s development agenda.

He explained that the Prayer Week theme aligns with BCD’s five-year strategic goal of transforming Busoga into a middle-income region by 2030 and positioning it as Uganda’s model economy in rural transformation.

According to Dr. Mula, meaningful socio-economic transformation cannot be achieved in isolation.

“It requires the alignment of spiritual guidance, administrative leadership, strategic planning, and active community participation. When our spiritual leaders stand hand in hand with civic leaders, local governments and government leadership, we create an unstoppable force for positive change.”

He said the launch meeting was convened to align leaders across Busoga ahead of the September gathering, mobilize communities, strengthen collaboration between faith communities and government institutions, encourage practical development actions, and prepare every district, sub-county, and parish to participate in Busoga Prayer Week 2026.

New Leadership to Coordinate Prayer Week

The meeting adopted several resolutions aimed at strengthening the coordination of Busoga Prayer Week.
Hon. Stephen Kisa Bakubalwayo, Member of Parliament for Luuka South and Chairperson of the Busoga Parliamentary Caucus who presented the key achivements of the past 5 years was appointed Chairperson of the 2026 Busoga Prayer Week Organising Committee.
He pledged his full committement for the success of the prayer week.

The committee will be deputized by Mr. Ziija David, LC V Chairperson of Mayuge District.

In accordance with the rotational leadership framework of the Busoga Inter-Religious Council, the meeting also resolved that Sheikh Dr. Hussein Bowa will be the lead Preacher at this year’s regional inter-faith gathering in Mayuge District on 27th September 2027.

Organising Committee Appreciates Government Support.

The Organising Committee expressed appreciation to H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his continued support towards Busoga Prayer Week.

Members acknowledged the President’s previous contribution of UGX 20 million, which greatly supported the successful organization of earlier editions.

The Committee also welcomed Government’s continued investment in infrastructure, particularly the ongoing Luuka Road project, while appealing for the acceleration of the Jinja Express Highway and the long-awaited Jinja–Mbulamuti Road, noting their importance in stimulating trade, improving connectivity, and accelerating economic growth.

Religious leaders were commended for their unwavering support of the initiative, while HRH the Isabalangira of Busoga, was recognized for mobilizing Busoga’s traditional leaders.

Through him, an invitation was extended to His Majesty the Kyabazinga of Busoga to participate in the 2026 Main Prayer Gathering in Mayuge District.

Looking Ahead
As preparations intensify for the September gathering, leaders called upon all people of Busoga, regardless of faith or denomination, to actively participate in Busoga Prayer Week 2026.

The annual programme continues to serve as a platform for prayer, reconciliation, servant leadership, and collective action, reinforcing the belief that the transformation of Busoga requires both spiritual commitment and practical development efforts.

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The Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD) officially convened its inaugural Secretariat Orientation Meeting on 24th June 2026 at the Civil Service College in Jinja, marking a defining moment in the operational rollout of the Busoga Development Agenda (BDA) 2026/27–2030/31 chaired by Director General, Mula Anthony.

In his keynote address, the Director General welcomed the newly appointed Secretariat as “the new engines of transformation, the technical brains, and the execution force that will write the next chapter of Busoga’s socio-economic history.”

He congratulated the team on their appointment, emphasizing that their selection was deliberate and rooted in demonstrated competence, intellectual rigor, and patriotism for Busoga. He challenged them to see their roles not merely as administrative positions, but as a historic responsibility to convert policy into tangible household wealth.

“You have been brought into this house because of your proven competence and your shared patriotism for Busoga,” he noted, urging the team to embrace innovation, professionalism, integrity, and results-driven leadership.

The Director General reminded the Secretariat of the core purpose of the Consortium: to cultivate regional development, coordination and facilitate the leadership across Busoga’s cultural, political, religious, and local government structures across all 12 administrative units to deliver on the shared aspiration for the sociaeconomic transformation of Busoga during the next 5 years.

He emphasized that the Consortium had succeeded in creating a consensual platform anchored in the Obwa Kyabazinga Bwa Busoga through the Local Governments of Budoga designed to harmonize development efforts and accelerate socio-economic transformation.

At the centre of this framework is the Busoga Development Agenda (BDA), which provides a coordinated pathway for implementing development priorities in alignment with national planning frameworks.

A key highlight of the meeting was the reaffirmation of the Village Agriculture Model (VAM), a flagship implementation vehicle inspired by rural transformation frameworks from the People’s Republic of China, particularly the collaboration with China Agricultural University and related partners.

The model is designed to focus development interventions at the village level, ensuring that grassroots households are economically empowered. While not replacing government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), VAM is positioned as a complementary facilitation mechanism that enhances implementation efficiency and local impact.

The Director General underscored a bold ambition under this model: eliminating extreme poverty across the 12 selected model villages by 2028 and positioning Busoga as Uganda’s fastest-growing sub-regional economy by 2030.

During the meeting, the Deputy Director General for Planning and Resource Mobilization, Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike, delivered a comprehensive presentation titled “Unpacking the BDA Vision 2030: For People-Centred Planning and Implementation.”

His presentation examined the background, current state, and future trajectory of Busoga’s development agenda, highlighting strategic interventions required to translate the vision into measurable outcomes.

He emphasized the importance of coordinated planning, resource mobilization, and accountability mechanisms to ensure effective execution.

Each member of the Secretariat formally introduced their mandate areas and presented preliminary strategies on how their respective directorates will contribute to the realization of the BDA Vision 2030.

The discussions reinforced a shared commitment to:
• Strengthening institutional coordination across Busoga’s development ecosystem
• Enhancing data-driven planning and implementation
• Mobilizing partnerships for investment and innovation
• Ensuring grassroots impact through localized development programming
• A defining moment for Busoga’s future

The inaugural meeting concluded with a strong sense of purpose and unity, positioning the Secretariat as the operational backbone of Busoga’s transformation agenda.

Present at the meeting included; Owek. Sam Nkenga Minister of Agriculture Busoga Kingdom; Ambassador Agnes Kalibala Director social service; Bishop Frank Tibagendeka former Governor BCD and regional coordinator Busoga inter-religious council; Mr. Basangwa Johnson Director commerce, industry, and private sector development; Hon. Brandon Alex Kintu Deputy director community mobilization and mind set change, Mrs. Esther Mirembe Mugisa PRO BCD, among others. The meeting was moderated by Mr. Kayemba Patrick Director Community Mobilisation and Mindset Change.

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Local government leaders from across the 12 administrative units of the Busoga sub-region, operating under the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD), converged at the Civil Service College of Uganda in Jinja City to elect new leadership for the consortium.

In a highly anticipated transition, Bugiri District LC5 Chairperson, Mulumba Davidson Kasajja, was elected as the BCD’s new Governor. Kasajja takes the baton from Bishop Frank Tibagendeka, the former LC5 Chairperson of Mayuge District, who has successfully completed his two-year tenure. The leaders also elected Iganga District LC5 Chairperson, Shabiru Isabirye, to serve as the new Vice Governor.

In his role as the Consortium’s Governor, he works alongside BCD Director General Anthony Mula and patron Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga to spearhead regional poverty alleviation, education, and development partnerships, such as the Village Agriculture Model (VAM).

The high-profile event was graced by the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister and Chairperson of the BCD Ministerial Coordination Committee, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama, alongside regional Members of Parliament, District Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), and cultural and religious leaders.

*A Vision for Rapid Socio-Economic Transformation:**

Delivering his strategic vision for the next five years, BCD Director General, Anthony Mula, projected that Busoga is poised to develop at an accelerated pace, building upon the solid foundation of regional cohesion established through previous political engagements and prayer weeks.

“We intend to consolidate unity as a core pillar of our regional transformation,” Mula stated.

He noted that the consortium will leverage the absolute solidarity within the Busoga Parliamentary Caucus to establish regional committees aimed at aggressive lobbying at the national level.

Key development pillars highlighted by the Secretariat for the upcoming term include:

The Village Agriculture Model Programme: Benchmarked against successful rural transformation strategies in the People’s Republic of China, this initiative complements the Parish Development Model (PDM). Having already piloted three villages in Namayingo (Namayombe), Mayuge (Mashiaga), and Kamuli (Busana), the BCD plans to roll out 12 model villages by 2028. The goal is to lift approximately 9,000 households out of extreme poverty and propel Busoga to the fastest-growing sub-region in Uganda, achieving middle-income status by 2030.

Massive Youth Skills Training: Under the continuous stewardship of the Busoga Kingdom, the consortium has resolved to provide technical and entrepreneurial training to one million young people, utilizing local, regional, and international training networks.

Digital Online Teaching Program: Set to launch officially in July 2026, this pioneering digital learning program will link 50 schools across Busoga to live, real-time lessons delivered by specialized teachers, democratizing access to quality education.

School Feeding and Soya Milk Initiative: Aimed at boosting cognitive development and reviving the historical academic excellence of Busoga, a comprehensive school feeding program will be launched in July by the Ministry of Education. This will be supported by reviving school gardens in collaboration with the agricultural departments, local governments, and the Busoga Kingdom.

International Partnerships and Zero Tolerance for Corruption:

Reflecting on the milestones of the past five years, the Director General highlighted major breakthroughs in international trade and cooperation. Under the political guidance of the First Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Busoga established historic ties with China’s Liaoning and Shandong provinces.

Notably, in November 2025, Busoga became the first sub-region in Uganda to directly export agricultural produce to the Chinese market, flagging off an initial 11 tons of chili from Kamuli.

Presiding over the function, the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama, commended the outgoing leadership and tasked the newly elected leaders to intensely monitor public resources.

She emphasized that the upcoming government allocation of UGX 200 million per parish under the PDM is a game-changer capable of replicating the rapid development model seen in global hubs like Dubai.

“Dubai was developed within a period of 20 years because there was no corruption. I call upon the new LC5 chairpersons and CAOs to work as a team and strictly eliminate corruption among parish chiefs. We must make close follow-ups to ensure these funds reach our people to effectively alter the poverty level,” Nakadama noted.

Commitments from Incoming and Outgoing Governors:

In his acceptance speech, the incoming Governor, Mulumba Davidson Kasajja, pledged to aggressively preach the gospel of unity, transcending political, religious, and traditional boundaries to tackle the obstacles frustrating Busoga’s growth.

“If it requires kneeling down to bring leaders together, I will do it,” Kasajja vowed.

He committed to operationalizing existing international partnerships with China to ensure visible local benefits, citing national precedents like China’s support for Naguru Hospital and various sports infrastructure.

Furthermore, he promised to integrate the model village approach directly into local government annual development plans to raise agricultural production and uplift subpar education standards.

The outgoing Governor, Bishop Frank Tibagendeka, expressed immense gratitude to the BCD Secretariat and the media fraternity for their selfless service.

Reflecting on the divine mandate of leadership, Tibagendeka commended Director General Anthony Mula for his unique vision and humility in empowering regional stakeholders.

He concluded by celebrating the legacy of leadership continuity, specifically noting his pride in being succeeded in Mayuge District by a leader he personally mentored, signaling bright prospects for the entire sub-region.

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Director General Dr Mula anthony flagging off the Busoga youhs to china‎The Director General of the Busoga Consortium for Development, Dr. Mula Anthony, has officially flagged off a team of six young leaders and entrepreneurs selected from the model Villages of Busoga to undergo a high-level entrepreneurship and rural transformation training at China Agricultural Universn from Namayombe Village in Namayingo District, Mashiage Village , Busana Village in Kamuli District, and the BCD secretariat represents the growing impact of the Busoga–China partnership in empowering rural youth across Busoga. The team includes:

Mirembe Esther – Public Relations Officer, Busoga Consortium (Team Leader)

‎Ojiambo Lucas – Assistant Agriculture Officer, Namayingo District (Namayombe Village)

‎Nambi Lydia – Secretary for Women, Busana Village, Kamuli District

‎Kintu Brian – Chief Executive Officer, Kamuli

‎Emma Byaruhanga – Brand Officer, Busoga Consortium for Development

‎This Global South Entrepreneur Initiative program is championed by China Agricultural University in partnership with Tencent, aimed at equipping young entrepreneurs from the Global with advanced knowledge, skills, and capacity-building tools to drive rural transformation in their home countries.

‎A Partnership Rooted in Progress

‎The Busoga–China collaboration was signed on 24th November 2023 at the Office of the President, where the Busoga Consortium signed a partnership agreement with China Agricultural University. The cooperation focuses on:

‎Technical support for the Village Agricultural Model

‎Capacity-building and scholarship programs for Busoga Consortium

‎Agricultural modernization

‎Entrepreneurship and grassroots economic growth

‎The flag-off stands as a clear testimony to the fruits of this partnership.

‎Investing in the Future of Busoga

‎

‎Speaking at the ceremony held in the Committee Room at the Office of the President, Dr. Mula Anthony emphasized the Consortium’s long-term vision of empowering youth through exposure, practical training and having no poor person in Busoga by 2030:

‎ “Our goal is to equip at least 1 million young people from Busoga with the knowledge, skills, and global exposure required to transform rural communities, accelerate development and create wealth. This delegation is part of that bigger dream.”

‎The team is set to undergo intensive training at China Agricultural University from 30th November to 14th December, focusing on modern agricultural systems, entrepreneurship, digital integration, and community-centered developmental models.

‎A Milestone for Rural Transformation

‎The Busoga Consortium continues to position the region as a hub of youth innovation and rural development excellence. Through international exchanges and high-impact partnerships, Busoga is steadily building a generation of informed, skilled, and globally connected change-makers.

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A delegation from China Agricultural University led by Associate Professor Prof. Li Li and PhD candidate Yanchen Qi concluded a three-day working tour across model districts in the Busoga sub-region aimed at assessing the progress of the BCD-CAU beneficiaries and Village Agriculture Model (VAM) project and strengthening community-based agricultural transformation programs.

The monitoring exercise focused on evaluating projects established by beneficiaries of the China Agricultural University–Busoga Consortium benchmarking and training program, which has continued to empower youth and rural communities through practical agricultural skills, poultry farming, and mindset transformation initiatives.

The tour, which ran from 6th to 8th May, was conducted together with the Director General of the Busoga Consortium for Development, Dr. Mula Anthony, district leaders, and agricultural stakeholders across the region.

Visit to Buteme Light Primary School, Kamuli District

One the 1st day of the tour, the delegation visited Buteme Light SDA Primary School to assess the progress of the school garden program under the Village Agriculture Model initiative. Targeted the school feeding program

The delegation was warmly received by the school management led by Headteacher Makubo Stephen alongside local farmers and community members.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Mula Anthony emphasized the importance of integrating agriculture into schools as a way of equipping learners with practical farming skills, school feeding and promoting food security at household level.

He noted that the Busoga Consortium for Development plans to provide training to one million youths across the Busoga sub-region through benchmarking and agricultural transformation programs aimed at improving livelihoods and changing community mindsets towards agriculture.

The delegation also highlighted the importance of knowledge sharing between Uganda and China in promoting sustainable agriculture and community empowerment.

Mrs. Sarah Sambya LCV Chairperson Kamuli District appreciated the partnership between the CAU and the BCD for transforming communities through the VAM project. She pledged the district’s full support towards the project and emphasized that all district departments would prioritize the development of Busana Village to ensure sustainable agricultural transformation, youth empowerment, and improved household livelihoods.

Makubo Stephen Head Teacher Buteme Light SAD primary School welcomed the School Feeding program and pledged full commitment towards the implementation of the program. He noted that the initiative will greatly benefit both learners and parents through practical agricultural skills, Nutrition, improved school performance and mindset change. He reaffirmed the school’s readiness to work closely with the Busoga Consortium and community members to ensure the success of the project.

Hatchery Donation in Bubwika Village

The delegation later proceeded to Bubwika Village in Bulange Sub-county, Namutumba District, where Prof. Li Li officially handed over a 30-sitter small hatchery donated to support poultry farming activities in the community.

The hatchery, which operates using both solar power and electricity, was handed over to the Bubwika Women Farmers Association, whose members are actively engaged in poultry farming under the guidance of the Busoga Consortium for Development in partnership with Busoga Kingdom.

The event attracted local leaders, farmers, and community members mobilized by Yololimu Nabongho Kisiginyi.

Also present during the handover ceremony was the Minister of Agriculture in Busoga Kingdom, Owek. Samuel Nkenga, who commended the partnership for promoting sustainable agricultural development in rural communities.

During his remarks, Dr. Mula Anthony pledged to donate another hatchery to further expand poultry farming initiatives across Busoga as part of the Consortium’s agricultural transformation agenda.

Monitoring Beneficiary Communities in Namayombe Village

As part of the ongoing monitoring exercise, the delegation proceeded to Namayombe Village in Namayingo District to assess the progress of beneficiary communities under the China Agricultural University–Busoga Consortium partnership program.

The delegation visited beneficiaries Lucus Ojiambo and Nakato Prossy from Mashiaga, whose poultry enterprises are steadily improving household incomes and transforming livelihoods through the Village Agriculture Model initiative.

The tour was joined by District Chairperson Sanya Ronald together Mr.Patrick Kayemba Director Mindset Chang BCD, and Owek. Sam Nkenga Minister of Agriculture Busoga Kingdom who applauded the partnership for empowering rural communities through practical agricultural interventions and sustainable income-generating activities.

The delegation also emphasized the importance of continuous supervision and mentorship of CEOs of the Village Action Committees in consolidating Busoga’s efforts towards community-driven agricultural development and mindset change.

Beneficiaries Commend the Program

Among the beneficiaries whose projects were monitored by the visiting delegation included Esther Mirembe, Emma Byaruhanga, Namabi Lydia, Kayaga Elias, Kintu Brian, Nakato Prossy, Nalube Sophia, Kalinaki Robert, Athenio Scovia, and Lucus Ojiambo, alongside other youths who traveled to different provinces in China for agricultural benchmarking and training.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries trained last year, Esther Mirember appreciated the Busoga Consortium for Development and China Agricultural University for the exposure, knowledge, and practical skills acquired through the program.

She noted that the training had created a major shift in mindset among the youth and inspired many beneficiaries to embrace modern agriculture as a sustainable source of livelihood and community transformation.

Appreciation to National and Regional Leadership

Dr. Mula Anthony commended the continued support from the Office of the Vice President of Uganda led by Jessica Alupo, as well as leaders across the Busoga region, for supporting initiatives aimed at transforming communities through agriculture, youth empowerment, and innovation.

The three-day monitoring tour reaffirmed the strong partnership between China Agricultural University and the Busoga Consortium for Development in promoting sustainable agricultural development, skills transfer, and economic empowerment across the Busoga sub-region.

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Director General Dr Mula Anthony with Busoga Delegation

‎A delegation of four participants from the selected Model Village of Namayombe in Namayingo District, Mashaiga in Mayuge and Busana in Kamuli District has departed for Mogogolo, Tanzania, to undergo specialized training in soya milk processing.

‎The training will focus on the effective use and maintainance of machines donated by China Agricultural University to BCD for processing of Soya Milk for school going pupils in our Model Schools.

‎China Agricultural University, in collaboration with the Busoga Consortium, continues to champion the Soya Feeding Program as a strategic initiative to enhance nutrition in Model schools, promote value addition, and strengthen household incomes across the region.

‎In his remarks while briefing the delegation ahead of their departure, the Director General, Mr. Mula Anthony, encouraged them to remain attentive, disciplined, and fully committed to the training so as to maximize the opportunity.

He later escorted them to Entebbe International Airport, where they boarded Air Tanzania to Dar Es Salaam.

‎The team comprised:

‎Sophie Sylvia Nalubega – Mashiaga Village, Mayuge District

‎Elsie Kayaga – Busana Village, Kamuli District

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‎Scovia Athieno – Best Farmer, Namayombe Village, Namayingo District

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‎Robert Kalinaki – Busana Village, Kamuli District

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‎‎This initiative reflects a continued commitment to strengthening agribusiness skills, promoting value addition, and empowering local communities through practical knowledge transfer.

‎Upon their return, the delegation will take on a vital role in cascading the knowledge acquired by training other farmers in soya milk processing. This will be implemented under the Soya Feeding Program, aimed at promoting nutrition, value addition, and household income generation within the communities of Busoga.

‎Through this program, the demand for Soya beans is expected to increase as schools will need it in large quantities for soya milk production per term. The increased Demand for Soya beans means increased incomes among households within the project communities and Busoga at large.

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