President Yoweri Museveni has said that he will not interfere in the exercise of getting a Kyabazinga, the cultural leader of the people of Busoga, saying this is an issue for the people to decide.
He however agreed to invite the eleven Busoga chiefs to hear their views on the matter.
The President was speaking at Budhumbula, Kamuli district during celebrations to mark Gabula Day, the 13 coronation anniversary of Prince William Gabula Nadiope as the hereditary chief of Bugabula BB chiefdom. The ceremony was held under the theme, “Celebrating our heritage.” Busoga Kingdom comprises of 11 chiefdoms but only five are eligible to produce a Kyabazinga including Bukholi, Luuka, Busiki and Bulamogi.
Museveni thanked leaders from Busoga for observing peace when there were conflicts within the sub region and urged them to promote prosperity by encouraging their people to engage in modern agro production for a bigger market. He gave the example of sugar which he said is produced in Busoga but is consumed in East Africa and asked the leaders to mobilize the people into production.
He noted that when the people and leaders talk about Busoga, Uganda, East Africa and Africa at large they refer to our origin, adding that everyone has got a culture which has to be observed.
Museveni congratulated Prince Gabula upon his 13 coronation anniversary and commended all the people who cared for the Prince even after the death of his father. He commended him for coming of age and for completing his studies. He urged the youth to ensure their prosperity by gaining skills, adding that traditional leaders need to be educated in order find solutions to the various challenges among their communities.
He commended Prince Gabula for making his commitment towards the promotion of household incomes and the eradication of poverty and said the NRM Government policy was to have a model village or parish in every sub county so that others can learn from the set examples.
Museveni commended the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga and other leaders for promoting tourism in their area and said government would continue with its program of promote industries and the service sector.
He said that government had earmarked Shs 2.3 trillion towards road construction during the current financial year and another Shs 1.7trillion to be used in the construction of Hydro power stations and electricity transmission lines.
He was happy to note that the construction of the Kamuli- Jinja road was in progress and assured the people that the contractors would speed up the works. He pledged the construction of the Mayuge- Majanji road using locally generated funds.
On his return journey to Kampala, President Museveni gave soft drinks to young children in Busota village in Kamuli District.
The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga saluted the President for attracting investors into the country. She noted that they have enhanced employment for Ugandans. She thanked him for the reconstruction of the Kamuli- Jinja road which is in progress.
Prince William Gabula Nadiope revealed that the people of Busoga sub region were committed to educating their children. He said that they hosted a health camp to treat children on the sidelines of the celebrations. He called on the youth to work hard to ensure their prosperity. He requested the President to provide them tractors to promote their agricultural ventures.
He saluted the President for providing electricity in the area and requested him to extend it to the remaining areas. He saluted him for supporting the cultural institutions.