The Ugandan government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Buganda Kingdom through joint development programmes aimed at improving the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
The assurance was made by Vice-President Jessica Alupo during a meeting at the Buganda Kingdom headquarters in Mengo. She led a delegation of cabinet ministers on the directive of President Yoweri Museveni.
The meeting brought together leaders from the central government and the Buganda Kingdom to deepen cooperation on issues of mutual interest.
The delegation included Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, acting minister for foreign affairs; Minsa Kabanda, minister for Kampala Metropolitan affairs; Milly Babirye Babalanda, minister for the presidency; Judith Nabakooba, minister for lands, housing and urban development; Robert Migadde Ndugwa, state minister for fisheries; Justine Nameere, state minister for local government; and Persis Namuganza, state minister for lands.
Ms Alupo said Mr Museveni remains fully committed to fostering cordial relations between the central government and the Buganda Kingdom, adding that the partnership will focus on programmes that directly improve welfare, including healthcare, education, agriculture and household incomes.
“President Museveni is ready to do everything necessary to strengthen the relationship between the government and the Buganda Kingdom,” Ms Alupo said. “We shall begin structured engagements with county chiefs and kingdom leaders to identify practical ways of working together to improve the lives of the people of Buganda.”
She commended the Buganda Kingdom for championing development initiatives such as the Mwanyi Terimba coffee campaign, health programmes to combat HIV/Aids, and other community empowerment projects.
“The kingdom has demonstrated commitment to improving the welfare of Ugandans through programmes that promote coffee growing, better health services and economic empowerment,” she added. “Government is ready to support such initiatives.”
In his remarks, Charles Peter Mayiga, the katikkiro (prime minister) of Buganda, urged the government to improve public transport, particularly in Kampala, saying an efficient mass transit system would ease traffic congestion and boost productivity.
“Government should prioritise a reliable public transport system in Kampala to reduce traffic congestion and improve movement within the city,” Mr Mayiga said.
The katikkiro also called upon ministers to support Mr Museveni’s fight against corruption, warning that graft continues to undermine national development.
“Corruption is depriving the country of resources that should be used to transform people’s lives,” he said. “Every minister must support the president in eliminating this vice.”
Joseph Sewava, the senior presidential special envoy on Buganda affairs, said both the Buganda Kingdom and the central government serve the same people and should continue working together through dialogue and cooperation.
“The kingdom and the government serve the same citizens,” Mr Sewava noted. “Continuous dialogue and collaboration are essential if we are to achieve meaningful development.”
Other ministers who attended the meeting welcomed the engagement, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening cooperation between the two institutions and delivering tangible benefits to the region.
