In an effort to resolve the ongoing developmental challenges in Busoga, the Deputy Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Hon. Rose Namayanja, alongside Senior NRM Mobilizer Hon. Rosemary Senninde, held a significant meeting with Busoga leadership at Mum Resort Hotel in Iganga District. This gathering brought together cultural leaders, security personnel, and NRM committees from the region to discuss how to address the problems hindering Busoga’s development.
Hon. Namayanja extended her gratitude to the Busoga leadership for their role in ensuring NRM’s success and President Museveni’s re-election in 2021. She commended the leadership for their continued efforts to implement the NRM manifesto and emphasized the party’s commitment to engaging all regions across Uganda. She highlighted the importance of moving from regional engagements to addressing what each region needs in terms of development.
Key topics discussed at the meeting included the socio-economic transformation of Busoga, focusing on issues such as sugarcane farming, fishing, swamp management, industrial development, and education. Hon. Namayanja encouraged the people of Busoga to diversify their economic activities and reduce their reliance on sugarcane farming, which has led to conflicts and political discontent in the past. She also praised Busoga’s involvement in the Parish Development Model, which has injected over 160 billion shillings into the region, benefiting many districts.
Hon. Senninde echoed the message of diversification, urging the people of Busoga to consider alternative agricultural ventures, such as coffee farming, to improve their livelihoods. She also expressed her gratitude to the Kyabazinga and Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga for their efforts to elevate education in the region through effective mobilization.
During the meeting, she urged elders to recruit and mentor young leaders, ensuring that the region’s leadership does not become dominated by inexperienced individuals. She also called on Busoga leadership to unite and avoid infighting during elections, advising them to choose the best leaders for the sake of the region’s future. Additionally, she thanked Busoga’s Members of Parliament for their commitment to the region.
Several MPs from Busoga, including Hon. Kauma Sauda Alibaawo (Iganga District), Hon. Naigaga Mariam (Namutumba), and Hon. Henry Aggrey Bagiire (Bunya East), emphasized the importance of fulfilling the promises made by President Museveni during his 2021 campaign. They highlighted the need for better economic opportunities for the people of Busoga, including fair sugarcane prices, access to swamps for farming, and the removal of UPDF soldiers from lakes to revive the fishing industry.
Cultural leaders, such as Ismeal Kyeyago, Prime Minister of Kigulu Chiefdom in Busoga Kingdom, voiced their concerns about the region’s lack of powerful government positions. Kyeyago urged President Museveni to grant Busoga more meaningful roles in government, rather than symbolic titles with little authority. He also called on the NRM Secretariat to maintain regular engagement with the region, instead of mobilizing only during election periods.
On the security front, Major Joseph Labu Chelop of the Fisheries Protection Unit urged fishermen to comply with regulations to avoid arrests. He stressed the importance of using authorized fishing nets with the appropriate mesh sizes, such as 10mm on Lake Victoria and 8mm on Lake Kyoga, to protect fish populations. Major Chelop also warned politicians against meddling in fishing matters, as their involvement often leads to conflict between fishermen and UPDF soldiers.
