Minister Babalanda Urges Unity Among Busoga Leaders for Regional Development

Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, has called on leaders and stakeholders in the Busoga sub-region to unite in a common effort to drive development and secure a better future for the Basoga people.

The Minister made the appeal during a regional preparatory meeting for her upcoming thanksgiving ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, June 7th. The meeting, held at Jinja City Hall, brought together RDCs, DRDCs, ARDCs, CAOs, DISOs, and NRM leaders from across the region.

“It is time for us, as Basoga, to set aside our differences and work collectively for the good of our people,” said Minister Babalanda. “We are accountable not only to the voters who entrusted us with leadership but also to God. The legacy we leave will be judged by future generations.”

Minister Babalanda expressed concern over ongoing divisions within the NRM party in Busoga, noting that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the party chairman, is disappointed by persistent internal conflicts. She warned that other regions have advanced while Busoga continues to lag due to political disunity.

“This region cannot move forward if we continue with the politics of division and self-interest,” she stated.

She emphasized that her thanksgiving event is not simply a personal celebration, but a political mobilization effort intended to renew support for President Museveni and the NRM, especially ahead of future elections.

Congratulating all winners in the recently concluded NRM party elections, the Minister urged those who did not succeed to join hands with their colleagues for the unity and strength of the party.

During the meeting, the Busoga regional RDC whip, Richard Gulume, outlined some of the key issues that contributed to the party’s underperformance in the last elections, including the government’s slow response to the plight of sugarcane farmers and challenges facing the fishing industry. However, he applauded President Museveni for signing the Sugar Bill, calling it a step in the right direction.

In response, RDCs and other leaders in attendance committed to enhancing grassroots mobilization to ensure greater support for President Museveni in the Busoga region. They also pledged full support for Minister Babalanda’s thanksgiving event.

The meeting was also attended by Hon. Fredrick Mbagadhi Nkaayi, Commissioner for RDCs in the Kampala Metropolitan area, along with CAOs and other senior party and government officials.