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.