As Busoga gears up for the regional prayer week slated for October 14th to 20th, 2024, Vice President Major (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has praised the subregion for choosing to put God first in their efforts to develop the area.
Alupo was presiding over the annual ministerial dinner organized by the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD) at Jinja Mada Hotel on Thursday, October 10, 2024.
In her message, delivered by the third deputy prime minister and Mayuge District Woman MP, Hajjat Lukia Isanga Nakadama, Alupo said the prayer week is a significant initiative, describing it as one of the factors that contributed to the successful November 2023 Kyabazinga Royal Wedding.
“As we commence this Busoga prayer week, I take this opportunity to congratulate you and the people of Busoga for the milestones achieved since our decision to put God first in our efforts to transform Busoga. Among the most notable moments worth celebrating during this prayer week is the Busoga Royal Wedding,” she said.
The vice president quoted Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Reflecting on previous prayer weeks, she asserted, “Surely, the Lord has been good to Busoga over the past twelve months.”
Alupo advocated for efforts to restore Busoga’s economic glory by deepening unity, resisting factors of disunity, and utilizing available resources effectively.
She also emphasized the importance of taking advantage of opportunities created by the central government to improve the lives of the people of Busoga and Uganda at large.
“The recently established cooperation with Liaoning Province of China, at the 5th Forum on China-Africa Local Government Cooperation in Guangzhou, China, should be leveraged. We must produce adequately, consistently ensure quality, and add value before export to attract good foreign exchange for Busoga and Uganda,” she added.
She believes that Busoga and Jinja City will soon become economic powerhouses through the continued commitment of leaders and residents working together for development.
The dinner attracted several political, cultural, and religious dignitaries from Busoga, including Busoga Kingdom premier Dr. Joseph Muvawala, Presidency Minister Milly Babalanda, Lands and Housing State Minister Persis Namuganza, Bishop of Busoga Diocese Rev. Paul Naimanhe Mukembo, as well as district chairpersons and religious leaders from different faiths.
In his remarks, Dr. Muvawala confirmed that the Kyabazinga would attend the main prayers to be held in Luuka District, where President Museveni will be the chief guest.
He emphasized that the drivers of the prayer week initiative are local leaders and that they aim to drive development in the region. However, Muvawala expressed concern over some individuals speaking ill of the initiative.
“I am concerned about those making contradictory statements against this cause. Interestingly, these individuals are Basoga, and they are aging, yet they continue to speak negatively about the initiative,” Dr. Muvawala said.
Bukono constituency legislator, Minister Namuganza, expressed optimism about the prayers, pledging her full participation during the prayer week.
“Jesus told us that some things may not change except through deep prayer. Considering the challenges we face in Busoga, if we come together in different faiths, God may hear us. I encourage everyone to participate, and let’s try our luck through prayer,” Namuganza said.
Luuka South MP Stephen Kisa, chairperson of the organizing committee for the prayer week, testified that last year’s prayers fostered unity among Busoga MPs, leading to the formation of a single parliamentary caucus, in contrast to the two caucuses that existed previously.
The single Busoga Parliamentary Caucus is now headed by Bunya South MP Hajji Idi Isabirye, which Kisa admitted was necessary, as it was harmful for elite MPs to engage in infighting while sharing the same homeland.
As head of the organizing committee, Kisa assured attendees that “The prayers have effectively begun with this dinner.”
The regional prayer week officially kicks off on Monday, October 14, 2024, with the first gathering at St. Andrews Church in Bukoto, Kampala. Other gatherings will be held within Busoga at various places of worship representing different faiths.
According to Mr. Anthony Mula, Director General of the Busoga Consortium for Development, this third edition of the prayer week seeks divine intervention to enable Busoga to effectively implement the Village Development Model (VAM), an agricultural initiative intended to localize the government’s Parish Development Model (PDM).
