Uganda government and the Buganda Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to work together to accelerate socio-economic transformation and improve service delivery at the grassroots during a special engagement.
Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, said the dialogue between the central government and cultural institutions remains key to national unity and development.
“Cultural institutions have direct, trusted access to subjects at the local level. Working with the Buganda Kingdom helps the government execute wealth-creation and poverty-alleviation initiatives—such as the Parish Development Model much faster than through state channels alone,”Babalanda stated.
She conveyed warm greetings from H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who remains committed to constructive dialogue and collaboration with all cultural institutions in advancing Uganda’s development agenda.
She noted that the engagement “reflects our shared belief that dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation are essential for promoting peace, national cohesion and the socio-economic transformation of our people”.
Babalanda said Uganda has registered remarkable progress over the last four decades in peace, infrastructure, education, and healthcare. She attributed the gains to visionary leadership, sacrifice and the resilience of the Ugandans.
The Minister reiterated President Museveni’s four pillars for national transformation: Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-Economic Transformation and Democracy, calling on political, cultural and religious leaders to promote unity and wealth creation.
Minister Babalanda noted the central government recognises the Buganda Kingdom’s role in preserving cultural heritage and mobilising communities for development.
“Development cannot be delivered by government alone. It requires the active participation of cultural institutions, religious leaders, local governments, the private sector and citizens themselves,” she said.
Both sides have moved past historical political tensions to focus on mutual development, with the government emphasizing that collaboration is essential to preserve peace and reduce poverty and corruption among the youth
As the Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babalanda pledged continued coordination of government programmes through Resident District and Resident City Commissioners. Working with cultural institutions and local leaders, she said, will help improve community mobilisation, accountability and the impact of government interventions.
She also cautioned against division and misinformation, saying peace and political stability “remain the bedrock of development” for investment, trade, tourism and jobs.
“Differences in opinion should never weaken our shared commitment to Uganda’s prosperity. Instead, they should inspire constructive dialogue and cooperation,” she added
Minister Babalanda reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a strong and constructive relationship with the Buganda Kingdom and thanked the Vice President, Maj. Jessica Alupo, for leading this delegation and commended the Rt Hon. Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga, and the leadership of the Buganda Kingdom for hosting this important engagement,” she said.
The engagement brought together the Central Government delegation and Buganda Kingdom leadership to harmonise efforts on implementing government programmes and strengthening community partnerships.
