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 United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has praised the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD) for championing an innovative rural transformation model that is integrating agriculture, education, nutrition, and community empowerment to improve livelihoods across the Busoga sub-region.
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‎The commendation was made by the FAO Country Representative in Uganda, Mr. Ezana Getahun Kassa, during his official monitoring visit to Busana Model Village in Kamuli District, where he assessed progress of the Village Agriculture Model (VAM) and the pioneering Soya Milk School Feeding Programme implemented at Buteme SDA Primary School, the designated model school for the village.
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‎Busana Model Village located in Kamuli District  is one of the 12 Model Villages being pioneered by the Busoga Consortium for Development in collaboration with China Agricultural Univserty (CAU) as epicentres for rural transformation and transfer of modern best practices to guide Busoga out of poverty by 2030.
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‎The visit attracted thousands of learners, parents, farmers, teachers, district leaders, Members of Parliament, development partners, and community members who gathered to witness the progress of one of Busoga’s flagship initiatives aimed at transforming rural communities through agriculture and education.
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‎Speaking during the visit, Mr. Kassa commended the Busoga Consortium for Development for demonstrating how strategic partnerships can deliver sustainable solutions to challenges affecting rural communities. “I wish to commend the Busoga Consortium for Development for its excellent work in promoting model villages and strengthening community development.
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‎This initiative demonstrates how partnerships can improve livelihoods, nutrition, education and resilience at the grassroots level,” Mr. Kassa said.
‎He noted that the visit provided an opportunity to witness practical interventions where schools, families, farmers, and communities are working together to improve food security and household incomes.
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‎School Gardens Driving Nutrition and Practical Learning.
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‎One of the key areas of focus during the FAO Rep. visit was the school garden initiative at Buteme SDA Primary School, where learners are being trained in agriculture, nutrition, environmental conservation, and food production.
‎Through the school garden and Soya Milk Feeding Programme, learners are gaining practical knowledge while the school explores sustainable ways of improving nutrition through locally produced foods.
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‎Mr. Kassa praised the initiative, saying school gardens should not only be viewed as learning spaces but also as community assets capable of improving nutrition and strengthening food security.
‎He encouraged parents and communities to actively support school agricultural projects, noting that young learners must be introduced to agriculture as a modern and profitable sector.
‎“Agriculture should no longer be viewed as a last resort but as a modern, innovative and profitable business. We need young people to become commercial farmers, agripreneurs, processors and innovators within the agrifood sector,” he said.
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‎However, school officials highlighted challenges affecting the expansion and sustainability of school gardening programmes, including limited access to agricultural tools, water supply challenges, inadequate inputs, and the need for continuous technical support.
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‎Beyond the school environment, H.E Kassa and delegation visited community agricultural projects under the Village Agriculture Model, including poultry enterprises supporting households to increase incomes and improve nutrition.
‎Mr. Kassa encouraged women and young people to embrace enterprises such as poultry farming, describing them as accessible businesses capable of improving livelihoods.
‎He also highlighted the importance of value addition, citing the production of soya milk from locally grown soya beans as an example of how communities can increase farmer earnings, create employment, and address nutrition challenges.
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‎He called for increased adoption of modern agricultural technologies, including improved seeds, irrigation, mechanization, digital agricultural advisory services, and climate-smart farming practices.
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‎He reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to supporting agricultural transformation initiatives in Uganda, particularly programmes focused on school gardens, youth employment, women empowerment, climate resilience, and value chain development.
‎“We intend to continue supporting and scaling up the efforts of the Busoga Consortium for Development as it advances agricultural transformation within the sub-region,” Mr. Kassa affirmed.
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‎Kamuli District Chairperson Mr. Dhizaala Kaloli noted that  all schools in the district are directed  to embrace school agriculture. The District Executive and Council pledged to donate 50 hoes to each school to strengthen agricultural learning and encourage food production among pupils.
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‎The district also pledged to improve roads leading to the Busana Model Village and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Village Agriculture Model (VAM) initiative.
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‎Busoga Parliamentary Caucus Commits Support to Agricultural Transformation
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‎Speaking on behalf of the Busoga Parliamentary Caucus, Chairperson Hon. Stephen Kisa Bakubalwaayo commended the initiative, describing the Village Agriculture Model as a practical pathway for transforming Busoga from subsistence farming into commercial agriculture.
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‎He said the integration of poultry production, soya farming, and school feeding programmes provides a model that can address household poverty, child nutrition, and unemployment.
‎“What we have witnessed today—from commercial poultry production and soya farming to the innovative Soya Milk Feeding Programme at Buteme SDA Primary School—provides a clear blueprint for Busoga’s economic transformation,” Hon. Kisa said.
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‎He appealed for increased investment in climate-smart irrigation, mechanization, agro-processing, and value addition to strengthen agricultural productivity and market access.
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‎Busoga Vision 2030 through Model Villages
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‎Representing the leadership of Busoga, the Vice Governor of the BCD Mr. Isabirye Shabiru Kalulu described the FAO visit as a significant milestone in the region’s journey towards achieving middle-income status by 2030.
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‎He explained that Busana is among 12 (twelve) Model Villages being pioneered under the Village Agriculture Model to demonstrate how agriculture, education, health, environmental conservation, tourism, and industrial development can work together to transform communities.
‎He said each model village is supported by a model school expected to demonstrate excellence in education, administration, infrastructure development, and practical agricultural learning.
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‎The Vice Governor praised Buteme SDA Primary School for integrating school gardens with the Soya Milk Feeding Programme and announced plans for other schools across Busoga to adopt similar approaches.
‎“We have resolved that primary schools across Busoga should emulate Buteme SDA Primary School by establishing school gardens for the production of soya beans and maize to support sustainable school feeding programmes,” he said.
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‎Owek. Nantale Nasabu  Minister of Education Busoga Kingdom called upon the District Education Officer to fully support and promote the project in schools. She also reaffirmed the Busoga Kingdom’s commitment to advancing agriculture and education initiatives across the region.
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‎Dr. Mula Anthony, Director General of the Busoga Consortium   emphasized that the Village Agriculture Model complements and strengthens the Parish Development Model, noting that “successful villages build successful parishes.” He commended China Agricultural University (CAU) for the support towards the Soya Milk School Feeding program and ecouraged all Primary schools to embrace the program.
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‎Dr. Mula further announced that, through collaboration with district leadership, tree seedlings will be distributed to every household and school. The trees will help mark boundaries while promoting environmental sustainability.
‎He highlighted that health is one of the seven pillars guiding Busoga’s transformation, aligned with efforts to implement the Government Manifesto across the sub-region.
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‎The soya milk programme will continue to be expanded in schools to improve child nutrition, support learning, and create a sustainable market for locally produced soybeans.

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Kamuli — Leaders in Busoga Sub-region are scheduled to launch a soya milk school feeding and digital learning program targeting government primary schools, in a move aimed at improving academic performance by addressing, performance, malnutrition and limited access to modern learning tools.

The program is being implemented by the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD) in partnership with China Agricultural University and Busoga Kingdom and Busoga Local Governments.  The program is one of initiatives under the Village Agriculture Model Program launched by the Vice President of Uganda on 4 August 2024 in Namayingo District. According to the leadership of the BCD, the initiative will start with government primary schools in model villages across the 12 local Governments in Busoga before spreading it across the entire Busoga.  The program combines school feeding, agriculture production and digital learning support to improve education outcomes.

Feeding programme rollout

Under the program, 20 soya milk processing machines have been acquired and will be installed in selected government schools to process soya milk for learners. The feeding initiative will be supported by local farmers growing soya beans, while schools have been encouraged to allocate at least two acres of land for soya cultivation in school gardens. Unvailing the program to Busoga leaders at Kamuli District headquarters, BCD Director General Dr Anthony Mula said the initiative is intended to position education as a driver of poverty reduction and economic transformation in line with Uganda Vision 2030. He said the success of the program will lead to sharing of experiences with the rest of the Country for benchmarking.

Poor nutrition affects learning

Education and health stakeholders say poor nutrition remains a major challenge in Busoga. In some areas, stunting among children under five is estimated at up to 46 per cent, while only about one-third of learners in comparable rural settings access regular meals at school. Kamuli District chairperson Ms Sarah Sambya asked farmers to invest more in soya bean production instead of sugarcane, citing its ready market and nutritional value.

Sugarcane dominance linked to education challenges

Despite being one of Uganda’s fertile regions, large parts of Busoga are dominated by sugarcane farming, which stakeholders say has affected household food production.

Education experts say in some sugarcane growing areas, children miss school seasons to work in plantations, contributing to poor academic performance. Recent Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) trends have highlighted the challenge, with some areas registering very few top performers, including cases where some districts fail to register even a minimum of 10 Aggregate 4’s.

Regional education data shows that only about 41 per cent of learners complete primary school, while completion drops to about 7.2 per cent at O-Level and 2.8 per cent at A-Level, reflecting high dropout rates. Literacy levels are also below national averages, with estimates placing Busoga’s literacy rate at about 71 per cent.

Digital learning support

In addition to feeding, BCD has is scheduled to flag off digital learning support in selected rural schools. Working with Hisense Uganda and Chinese development partners, the BCD has distributed 50 digital screens, cameras and internet connectivity kits to support online and digital learning. The program is expected to be launched by the Minister of Education and Sport of Uganda.

Expansion planned

Following the analysis of poor-performing districts, BCD has pledged to extend the Village Agriculture Model Programme to all model villages in Busoga. As schools resume this academic term, the BCD -CAU soya feeding programme is expected to begin under monitoring by the Ministry of Education and Sports through the District Education Officers, Busoga Kingdom Ministries of Education and Agriculture, and implementing partners.

Leaders back the initiative

The school feeding program has received support from First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs Rt Hon Rebecca Kadaga, who has in the past encouraged Government of Uganda, China Agricultural University and other BCD development patners to support the initiative.  Kaliro District Production Agricultural Officer Mr Tinkamanyiire Charles asked BCD to prioritize Kaliro District, citing growing demand among farmers for alternatives to sugarcane.

Officials say the program is expected to improve nutrition, increase school attendance and improve learning outcomes in the region

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At the BCD, we received the sad news of the demise of Rt. Rev Charles Wamika which occurred on Wednesday 22nd October 2025 with great tremor. Death has indeed robbed Jinja Diocese and Ugandans in general, of one of its celebrated spiritual shepherds who, during his life time, worked hard to improve the social, economic and spiritual status of his flock; and the people of Busoga in general.

Bishop Charles Wamikahas lived a full life and I strongly believe that he has served humanity to the best of his ability. He has been known to serve his church diligently and with great humility. His zeal to amplify the dissemination of the word of God through education, preaching, call for unity and infrastructure development was UNMATCHED not only in Jinja Diocese but across all points of his tour of service. He thus preached, and lived the gospel by example and not words. At some point, illness kept him away from his flock causing a lot of anxiety among us as believers who passionately wished to have him available all the time which inevitably couldn’t be possible.

During this moment of pain and sorrow, I join everybody to celebrate the 14 years of priesthood and 32 years as Bishop for the late Rt. Rev. Bishop Charles Wamika.

Uganda and the Catholic Church will forever celebrate the late bishop’s historic presiding over of the June 3rd, 2023 Namugongo Martyrs Day that has since been rated among the very BEST Martyrs Day commemorations since 1975 when the Basilica of the Uganda Martyrs Shrine at Namugongo was opened. Equally, the BCD will always remember the late bishop’s role in the founding of the BUSOGA PRAYER WEEK that commenced in July 2022 and has since become a key an annual program on the BCD calendar. As we prepare to send him off, let us beseech the Almighty God to receive and reward him abundantly.

On behalf of the BCD and my own behalf, I convey to the Family as well as the Catholic Fraternity of Jinja Diocese and Uganda at large, my deepest condolences.

As we send off our fallen spiritual shepherd, I enjoin you to find solace in these Biblical words:

_“I am the resurrection and life, whoever believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live forever” John 11:25_

May the Soul of the deceased rest in eternal peace.

For God and my Country.

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The Busoga region is set to host a high-level delegation from the People’s Republic of China’s Shandong Province, led by Vice Governor H.E. Wen Nuan, for the official signing of a Cooperation Agreement with the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD).

The signing ceremony will take place on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Civil Service College, Jinja City, marking a major milestone in Busoga’s efforts to build international development partnerships.

Speaking during a press briefing this morning, Mr. Mula Anthony, the Director General of the Busoga Consortium for Development, underscored the relevance of the visit, describing it as a “gateway to deeper cooperation in trade, education, agriculture, and technology transfer.”

“This partnership demonstrates Busoga’s readiness to engage with global partners to achieve shared growth and development. It represents a new chapter of opportunity for the people of Busoga,” Mr. Mula emphasized.

A Partnership Rooted in Royal Diplomacy

This visit follows the July 2024 royal and government visit to China, led by His Majesty, the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, together with the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Isanga Nakadama.

During that visit, the Busoga delegation held bilateral discussions with several Chinese provinces, including Shandong, laying the groundwork for cooperation in industrial growth, education, and agricultural transformation.

The arrival of the Shandong Vice Governor and his ten-member delegation in Uganda today is a direct outcome of those initial engagements, and a testament to the cordial relationship that has since flourished between the Busoga Consortium and Shandong Province.

About the Signing Ceremony

The Governor of the Busoga Consortium, Bishop Frank Tibagendeka, will sign the cooperation agreement on behalf of Busoga, while Vice Governor H.E. Wen Nuan will sign on behalf of Shandong Province.

The function will be graced by the Chief Guest, Rt. Hon. Dr. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Patron of BCD and First Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda, along with Rt. Hon. Rukia Isanga Nakadama, Third Deputy Prime Minister, ministers, members of parliament, Busoga Kingdom officials, district leaders, schools, Masaza tournament teams, and the general public.

About Shandong Province

Located in eastern China, Shandong Province borders Beijing and Tianjin to the north and Shanghai to the south.

It has a land area of 154,300 square kilometers, a sea area of 158,600 square kilometers, and a population exceeding 100 million people.

Shandong hosts 36,000 schools, 161 higher institutions, and 22 million students, and it’s home to over 10,000 agro-processing enterprises.

The province’s economy is among the most advanced in China, with a GDP of USD 1.39 trillion in 2024, ranking third nationally, and total imports and exports valued at USD 475.16 billion.

Building the Future Together

The cooperation between Busoga and Shandong Province aims to promote industrial growth, agricultural modernization, trade, cultural exchange, and skills transfer, aligning with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the Busoga Regional Transformation Agenda.

“This visit reflects the fruits of diplomatic engagement initiated by the Kyabazinga’s 2024 mission to China Okay confirms that Busoga is on the global map for progressive partnerships,” Mr. Mula concluded.

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The 1st Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda and Patron of the Busoga Consortium for Development, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga hosted a high-level delegation from Liaoning Province, China, led by H.E. Hon. Yu Tianmin, Vice Chairman of the Liaoning Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Chairman of the Liaoning Law Society on Thursday 12^th December 2024.

This visit was a follow-up to the July 2024 official visit by a Uganda-Busoga delegation to Liaoning Province, led by His Royal Highness William Gabula Nadiope IV, the Kyabazinga of Busoga, and Uganda’s 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Hajjat Nakadama Rukia Isanga that resulted into the establishment of bilateral relations between the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD) and Liaoning Province. The Busoga-Liaoning cooperation became the 1^st Provincial Cooperation under the China Africa Cooperation framework.

The landmark agreement was signed by Mr. Wakaze Simon, the former Governor of the Busoga Consortium for Development and current District Chairperson of Luuka Local Government, on behalf of the Busoga Consortium Province.

During the meeting held the Ministry of East African Community Affairs at Kingdom Kampala plaza, Kadaga commended the role of Chinese companies and institutions in advancing Uganda’s Business, infrastructure and service sectors. She highlighted some of the significant projects such as the ongoing redevelopment of Entebbe International Airport, the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, Mandela National Stadium, and Karuma Power Dam, among others supported by Chinese friends and Government.

“The established provincial cooperation between the Busoga Consortium and Liaoning Province should enable us to leverage the existing diplomatic and bilateral relations to identify and implement key projects that will further strengthen Uganda-China and Africa-China relations to benefit our people,” she stated.

As a means to enhancing investment and trade relations between Busoga and Liaoning Province as well as China Uganda Cooperation, Kadaga proposed the establishment of the China-Uganda International Trade Facilitation Centre in Jinja City. She said “the Trade Facilitation Centre will be a one stop—stop facility to promote and strengthen bilateral trade between Uganda and China. The centre will work to simplify export and import polices, drive the automation of cross-border trade and transport, and bring ordinary Ugandans into the export-Import eco-system.  The Trade Facilitation Centre will also support the tail-end realization and entry of the Busoga Consortium’s Village Agricultural Model agro-products and other products into the Chinese markets”.

Dr. Mula Anthony, Director General of the Busoga Consortium, provided a brief overview of the organization, noting its formation in April 2017 as a provincial body working closely with Local Governments, Busoga Kingdom and all stakeholders of Busoga to steer socioeconomic transformation.

In his remarks, H.E Hon Yu Tianmin thanked Rt. Hon. Kadaga for the proposal made and promised to present them before the Provincial leadership for consideration.

Hon. Yu highlighted the Liaoshing Industrial Park as a beacon of unity between Uganda and China. He outlined plans to further develop the park by attracting more investors from Liaoning Province, emphasizing its role as a hub for Uganda-China industrial collaboration.

He expressed gratitude to Mr. Zhang and the Chinese Embassy in Uganda for their pivotal role in fostering bilateral relations and highlighted the ongoing provincial-level cooperation as the first of its kind, underlining sincerity in areas such as agriculture, trade, and cultural exchange.

The meeting was attended among others by Hon. Namuganzi Persis (State Minister for Housing), Hon. Kisa Stephen (MP for Luuka South and Chairperson of the Busoga Prayer Week Organizing Committee), Mr. Maxwell Kuwebula (Vice Governor, Busoga Consortium), and Mr. Zhang Hao (Goodwill Ambassador, Liaoning-Uganda Cooperation).

 Strengthening Educational and Economic Ties 

The Liaoning delegation later in the afternoon proceeded to Makerere University to renew cooperation with Makerere University. At Makerere, the delegation was received by Professor Buyinza Mukadasi, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs.

The focus of the meeting was on fostering academic collaboration between Liaoning University of Traditional Medicine and Makerere University in the fields of student and tutor exchanges, joint research and publications, innovation, health sector development, among others.

In his message, H.E Yu Tianmin introduced Liaoning Province and Liaoning University of Traditional Medicine to Prof. Buyinza and renewed that commitment of Chinese Government to promoting the cooperation in line with President Xi’s recently declared 10 Partnership Action points for deepening China Africa Cooperation at the September 2024 Forum on China Africa Cooperation Summit (FOCAC).

Prof. Buyinza welcomed H.E Hon. Yu Tianmin to Makerere University and extended appreciation to the Busoga Consortium leadership for the contributions being made towards the development of Busoga. He noted that the offing cooperation between Makerere University and Liaoning University of Traditional Medicine will contribute to the needed human resource development desired to lead the transformation of Busoga. He said that Makerere University was in the process of establishing a substantive campus in Jinja City that will give a significant boost to Busoga’s development aspirations.

Hon. Yu Tianmin expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and emphasized the sincerity of Liaoning Province in strengthening cooperation in the fields of agriculture, trade, and people-to-people engagements. He highlighted the importance of the Uganda-Liaoning Industrial Park as a symbol of unity and pledged to attract more investors from Liaoning Province.

He urged Busoga to support ongoing projects such as the Wagagai gold mining initiative in Busia and copper mining at Kilembe, emphasizing the mutual benefits of these ventures.

“This cooperation reflects China’s commitment to enhancing its ties with Africa, as reaffirmed by President Xi Jinping during the September FOCAC meeting. The people-to-people collaborations will be instrumental in shaping the future of our partnership,” he stated.

The delegation’s visit marks a significant milestone in Uganda-China relations, with Busoga playing a pivotal role as a bridge for provincial-level collaboration.

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Thousands of Basoga gathered at Luuka Ceremonial Grounds on October 20, 2024, to close the Busoga Prayer Week, which ran from the 14th to the 20th of October.

H.E. the President of Uganda, serving as the Chief Guest, delegated the Prime Minister to deliver his speech, urging religious leaders in Busoga to promote development as they guide their followers.

The third edition of the Busoga Prayer Week concluded with a mass gathering at Luuka Ceremonial Grounds, drawing attendance from Ministers, Members of Parliament, District Chairpersons, Busoga Royal Chiefs, and leaders from the Busoga Inter-Religious Council, alongside representatives from schools and community organizations.

The program commenced with prayers and a sermon from the main celebrant, Bishop Hanington Suubi of the East Busoga Diocese, who emphasized the importance of fostering wholesome families that fear the Lord, as well as the need for unity and cohesion among leaders in Busoga.

Hon. Kisa Steven, Member of Parliament for Luuka South and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, called on the government to adopt the Busoga Prayer Week as a national initiative.

The Director General of the Busoga Consortium for Development, Mr. Anthony Mula, highlighted the importance of the program’s objectives and urged the government to adopt the Busoga Development Agenda (BDA) Concept as a framework for regional development.

Among those who attended were the Busoga Royal Chiefs led  by the  Isabalangira (Head of Chiefs) of Busoga Kingdom who doubles as the  Bugweri Royal Chief, HRH Nkutu Samuel Zirabamuzaale and  these included Prince Zibodo from Bulamogi Chiefdom, Prince Walugembe Fredrick from Butembe Chiefdom, Prince Tabingwa Nabwana from Luuka Chiefdom, Prince Nabongeho Yololimu from Busiki Chiefdom, Prince Muzamilu Nkwighe from Bunanhumba Chiefdom, Prince Isabirye Joseph from Bukhooli Chiefdom, HRH Prince Chris Mudoola from Kigulu Chiefdom, Prince Woira Henry Chief from Bugabula B.B Chiefdom, Prince Mukajjanga from Bunha Chiefdom, Prince Godfrey Mutyaba Nkono from Bukono Chiefdom

Owek. Muvawala, the Prime Minister of the Busoga Kingdom, encouraged the people of Busoga and religious leaders to embrace their culture and prioritize local texts written in Lusoga.

Similarly, Minister for Presidency Hon. Milly Babirye Babalanda emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration among the Basoga.

In addition to the prayer week activities, 3rd Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Nakadama Rukia Isanga shared testimony about the positive outcomes of such engagements in Busoga. She recognized the role of H.E. Maj. Jessica Alupo Vice President of Uganda in steering Busoga’s Regional Cohesion and transformation.  She encouraged the people of Busoga to embrace the Village Agricultural Model initiative noting that it was in line with Government household transformation agenda.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs, Rt. Hon. Dr. Rebecca Kadaga, expressed dissatisfaction on the way government continues to treat the fishing community of Busoga particularly those living along the rivers who rely on fishing for their livelihoods.

She noted that this mistreatment has negatively impacted support for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the region. Appealed for a special program to economically resettle the disposed fishing communities who depended on the activity for livelihood.

Dr. Kadaga thanked government for securing money for the construction of the Walugogo-Busalaamu-Nakabugu-Bulopa-Kamuli Road, Ambercourt, Mbulamuti road, among others. However,  she noted that Government had no money for compensation of people who encroached on road reserves. She encouraged all leaders and people of Busoga to embrace and support the commencement of the projects to avoid unnecessary delays.

The Prime Minister of Uganda Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja who represented H.E the President expressed appreciation to the organizers for prioritizing prayer as a cornerstone of regional development.

The President urged religious leaders and all Basoga to foster development alongside their church activities.

The program concluded with the ceremonial transition of leadership, as the Busoga Consortium installed a new Governor Bishop Frank Tibagendeka District Chairperson Mayuge, who took over from Mr. Wakaze Simon of Luuka.

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