Owekitibwa James Mukembo, the minister for youth and information and communication technology (ICT) in Busoga Kingdom, has applead to the youths across the country to enbrace further education.
This was in his remarks delivered by Owekitibwa Yafesi Bairukireki, the chairperson of Busoga Kingdom Youth Council (BKYC) while officiating at the leadership transition of Basoga Nseete students association (BANSA) of St Francis school of health professionals, Namataba, Mukono on Sunday, June 2, 2024.
“We are here because of Education. If we never gained knowledge in education, we wouldn’t be here because you couldn’t think of inviting us although we are Basoga. Therefore, what I can advise you today is going for further education. The certificates and diplomas you are pursuing here are not enough,” Bairukireki informed the learners.
He emphasised that the youthful Busoga King His Majesty William Wilberforce Nadiope Gabula IV wants educated young people who will be at the forefront of transforming the socio-economic development and framework of the region.
“We want to have and see Busoga producing prominent doctors who are highly educated. Our land will be respected by everyone on this planet earth. Please love these medical courses you are pursuing here, we are going start from there for advancements,” he added.
The colourful event organized at the school campus in Namataba, Mukono district, attracted the Busoga’s grandfather (Queen Jovisa Mutesi’s father), Mr Stanley Bayoole. Mr Bayoole was accompanied by Prince Peter Mulungi, the director of Abasoga Tusetule, in addition to a delegation of BKYC executive members who encouraged peers to love their culture.
Owekitibwa Bairukireki describes culture as moral disciplines that govern individuals belonging to ethnic groups. He emphasised the importance of understanding and adhering to the principles.
“You the learners here at St Francis support your fellow Basoga. If your colleague starts up a canteen here, please go in big numbers and support them. Buy items only in his or her canteen and also encourage others to buy from him because if a musoga excells, that is Busoga succeeding,” Bairukireki stated.
On his part, Mzee Bayoole, who is also the resident district Commissioner (RDC) of the Eastern Bulambuli district, told the learners to promote their culture and put Busoga at the apex.
“Wherever we are as Basoga, that place is Busoga regardless of where we are. We always dominate the place because we are proud of ourselves,” said Mr Bayoole.
“When I reached here, I was surprised with these young people [BKYC members] standing before me. I saw good people that we could use to promote Busoga. Their expressions indicate their love towards their culture. That capacity to elaborate on where you want Busoga to go is really different from being a mere musoga,” he said, stressing that before titles and riches, one first belongs to their culture.
He urged the students under BANSA to respect the term Nseete [literally meaning a form of eusocial insects) that unite for a common development.
“Nseete means working together and loving each other. “Enseete” do not develop disputes, but they only join efforts to battle any enemy. That is what you need to put into practice as students of St Francis so that even if you leave here, that bond remains in place,” he added.
BANSA new cabinet that took oaths yesterday is led by Alla Idibya Peter as president (Mudhadhu) and his Inhemudhadhu Jovia Mutesi Damari. These received insteuments of power from James Balinango and Alice Namukose, who urged the new leadership to effectively utilise office.
Owekitibwa Bairukireki persuaded BANSA to initiative projects that provide money to the association account. Bayoole boosted the association with shs500,000.
“I want to come back for another handover when there are projects that give you money. You can start up a SACCO or anything else as long as it gives you money,” he said.
Mary Mwebaza Oduchu, the BANSA Patron, stressed the love of the children of the soil towards their culture. According to her, the students have exhibited culture by expressing themselves as Basoga before any public.
