NEWS EDITOR
IN his auxiliary efforts to promote development in the entire Kingdom, His Majesty William Gabula Nadiope IV Isebantu Kyabazinga wa Busoga has tasked his subjects to be promoters of unity wherever they go as a symbol of togetherness.
Openning the 2020 Busoga Lukiiko in the Lukiiko Hall on Friday at Bugembe, the Kyabazinga emphasized the need to be united.
“As a Kingdom, we have several plans aimed at uplifting the living standards of our people. However, this can only be done when we are united for a common cause to enable development flourish.” Kyabazinga said to an attentive audience.
Flanked by members of the Chiefs Royal Council led by Chief Prince Samuel Menha Kakaire Zirabamuzaale, the King, who notified his subjects that the annual theme for 2020 shall be “Deepening Functional Systems in Obwakyabazinga Bwa Busoga”, also advised his people to promote good Kisoga culture wherever they go.
Addressing the lukiiko before the King, Owek. Dr. Joseph Muvawala Nsekere, Kingdom Premier reminded government of the need to expedite the process of returning Busoga’s properties.
“We are more than ready as a Kingdom to mobilize our people for development however, we are short of resources at the moment. Fortunately, we have our known properties as a Kingdom. I want to ask government to expedite the process of returning our properties to enable us utilise funds accrued from rent and leases to develop the Kingdom and its people.” An assertive Muvawala said adding that he has already notified both the Speaker of parliament and the Attorney General of government about the same.
Dr.Muvawala alongside his 1st deputy premier, Prof.Muhamadi Lubega notified the enthusiastic audience that the Kingdom has since dragged Madhvani Group of Companies to courts of law for forgery among others.
He also notified Dr. Diana Atwiine, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health about the lack of a blood bank in Eastern Uganda leading to many deaths due to lack of blood and advised that let Jinja Regional Referral Hospital get a face lift in the subsequent financial years.
On her part, Dr.Atwiine, who addressed Busoga Lukiiko prior to signing an MoU with the Kingdom to fight several diseases in the region, disclosed that Busoga needs a joint effort to address its health complications.
“Am humbled by the Kyabazinga’s gesture of being in touch with his people and we wish to tap into the Kingdom structures to sensitize masses about the different health challenges in the area that need a concerted effort.” She argued noting that Busoga ranks highly in sickle cell cases standing at 19.42%, 21% prevalence is for malaria in the area, TB and teenage pregnancies are also rampant making it inevitable for the MoU to come into force.
She revealed that children below 5 years die due to lack of blood while mosquito net usage is wanting in the area.
Dr. Atwiine,who proposed a mandatory sickle cell medical check up for intending couples, informed the Lukiiko that due to the current coronavirus, the health ministry has since suspended shaking of hands to guard against the virus.
Owek. George Wanume Mutyabule flanked by his deputy,Owek.Florence Biruma presided over the Lukiiko that had Jinja West MP, Moses Grace Balyeku, Jinja LCV Titus Kisambira, Ex-Butaleja RDC Richard Gulume Balyainho, Kingdom Ministers, Princesses among others in attendance.
The Kyabazinga accompanied by a few selected officials led by the Premier later toured the ongoing construction works at Busoga Technological Institute at Igenge Hill and summed up the day at his Igenge Palace.
