The Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Buganda Kingdom, saying dialogue, mutual respect and collaboration remain essential for promoting peace, national unity and accelerating Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
She made the remarks on Tuesday during an engagement between a central government delegation and the Buganda Kingdom officials at the Kingdom headquarters in Bulange, Mengo.
The delegation was led by Vice President Jessica Alupo and included Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba, State Minister for Lands Persis Namuganza, State Minister in the Office of the Vice President Diana Mutasingwa, Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda, State Minister for Fisheries Robert Migadde, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Haruna Kasolo, State Minister for Local Government Justine Nameere, among other government officials.
The ministers were received by the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, who was accompanied by members of the Kingdom’s Cabinet.
Babalanda said she conveyed warm greetings from President Museveni, whom she described as committed to “constructive dialogue and collaboration with all cultural institutions in advancing Uganda’s development agenda.”
She thanked the Katikkiro and the Buganda Kingdom for hosting what she described as an important engagement that reflected a shared commitment to dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation.
“This meeting goes beyond bringing leaders together but also reflects on our shared belief that dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation are essential for promoting peace, national cohesion and the socio-economic transformation of our people,” she said.
Babalanda said Uganda has registered remarkable progress over the last four decades through sustained peace, political stability and deliberate government interventions that have expanded infrastructure, improved access to education and healthcare, and laid a stronger foundation for economic growth.
“Our country has enjoyed peace and stability, expanded infrastructure, improved access to education and healthcare, and created a stronger foundation for economic growth. These achievements did not come by chance. They were made possible through visionary leadership, sacrifice and the resilience of the Ugandan people,” she said.
She noted that safeguarding those achievements remains a shared responsibility, emphasizing the need to ensure that every household benefits from Uganda’s continued development.
Babalanda reiterated that President Museveni has consistently anchored Uganda’s transformation on four key pillars: Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-Economic Transformation and Democracy.
“These principles call upon all leaders—political, cultural and religious—to work together in promoting unity, creating wealth and improving the welfare of our people,” she said.
The Minister recognized the Buganda Kingdom’s contribution to preserving Uganda’s cultural heritage, mobilizing communities for development and promoting social cohesion, saying cultural institutions remain important partners in national development.
She also highlighted several presidential wealth creation initiatives that continue to improve household incomes and expand opportunities for Ugandans, particularly young people and women.
“Programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, the Presidential Industrial Hubs and the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Boy/Girl Child are all intended to lift families out of poverty and expand opportunities, especially for the youth and women,” she said.
Babalanda emphasized that government alone cannot deliver development.
“Development cannot be delivered by government alone. It requires the active participation of cultural institutions, religious leaders, local governments, the private sector and citizens themselves. Our institutions may have different mandates, but we serve the same people and pursue the same goal of improving their lives,” she said.
She added that closer collaboration between the central government and the Buganda Kingdom would help harmonize development efforts and ensure government programmes reach citizens more effectively.
Babalanda further underscored the importance of protecting Uganda’s peace, security and political stability, describing them as the foundation upon which development depends.
“We should therefore reject division, misinformation and actions that undermine national unity. Differences in opinion should never weaken our shared commitment to Uganda’s prosperity. Instead, they should inspire constructive dialogue and cooperation,” she said.
Babalanda reaffirmed government’s belief that cultural institutions are valuable partners in promoting wealth creation, responsible citizenship, preservation of cultural values and stronger communities.
“I appeal that this engagement marks a renewed commitment to working together in the spirit of mutual respect, trust and shared responsibility. I reaffirm the government’s commitment to maintaining a strong and constructive relationship with the Buganda Kingdom,” she said.
“Together, we can bridge any gaps, deepen cooperation and accelerate the socio-economic transformation of our people while safeguarding the peace, stability and unity that Uganda has worked so hard to achieved.”
During the meeting, Vice President Jessica Alupo delivered a message from President Museveni expressing his desire to meet Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II and county chiefs whenever the Kingdom arranges such an engagement.
She described the meeting as the beginning of a stronger partnership between the central government and the Buganda Kingdom that would improve the welfare of citizens.
Alupo also commended the Kingdom’s development initiatives, including the Nnabagereka’s Ekisakaate programme and other community projects aimed at improving livelihoods.
In his remarks, the Katikkiro welcomed the continued engagement, saying both the Government and Buganda share a common responsibility of serving the people.
“What unites Uganda and Buganda is our commitment to serving the people. We should continue working together in agriculture, health and education for the benefit of our citizens,” she said.
The Katikkiro also asked the Vice President to convey the Kingdom’s concerns to President Museveni, including the need to intensify the fight against corruption, address insecurity and improve transport infrastructure, particularly in Kampala.
“There is no leadership that does not come from God. Those entrusted with leadership should serve faithfully and honestly,” he said.
President Museveni’s Special Envoy on Buganda Affairs, Joseph Mukasa Ssewava, described the engagement as an important milestone towards building a more structured relationship between the central government and the Buganda Kingdom.
“This is the beginning of a deeper and more structured relationship between the central government and the Buganda Kingdom,” Ssewava said.