Kyabazinga Hails Basoga Diaspora in UAE, Urges Investment in Busoga’s Development

By Barasa Richard-Osmara Digital Media

Dubai, United Arab Emirates | September 28, 2026- The Kyabazinga of Busoga, His Majesty William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Gabula Nadiope IV, has commended Basoga and other Ugandans living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for their hard work, cultural pride and contribution to Uganda’s development, urging them to preserve their heritage while investing in opportunities back home.

The monarch made the remarks on September 26, 2026, during celebrations marking his 12th Coronation Anniversary with Basoga living in Dubai, in what was the first event of its kind held in the Gulf nation.

The colourful gathering, held at the Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah, brought together Basoga from different professional backgrounds and other Ugandans in the diaspora under the theme, “Inspiring a New Generation to Carry the Values, Vision and Legacy of Busoga Forward.” Addressing the enthusiastic gathering, the Isebantu thanked the community for its resilience, commitment to earning a living and continued support for families and communities back home. He also praised the participants for maintaining their cultural identity through traditional dress, cultural performances and their enthusiasm for celebrating their heritage despite living far from Uganda.

The Kyabazinga urged the Basoga to uphold values such as responsibility, Obuntu Bulamu (humanity), discipline and hard work, describing them as important foundations for personal success, family stability and community development both abroad and at home. He assured the diaspora community of the continued support of the Obwakyabazinga, encouraging members to seek guidance and counselling from the Kingdom whenever necessary. The monarch further called on Ugandans in the UAE to consider long-term investments in their home communities, particularly in agriculture, highlighting coffee and cocoa growing as opportunities that could provide sustainable income when they eventually return to Uganda.

He thanked the organisers and all those who contributed to making the anniversary celebrations in Dubai possible, commending their unity, cooperation and commitment to promoting Busoga and Uganda.

Babalanda Calls for Preservation of Busoga Culture

The Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, who accompanied the Kyabazinga, praised the Basoga community in the UAE for coming together to welcome their traditional leader.

She described the monarch’s presence in Dubai as a powerful demonstration of how the institution of Obwakyabazinga Bwa Busoga continues to unite the Basoga across geographical boundaries. “While you are from Busoga, Busoga must never be far from you,” Babalanda told the gathering, urging the diaspora to remain connected to their roots regardless of where they live and work. She called on Basoga families abroad to preserve their identity by speaking Lusoga, teaching their children the history and traditions of Busoga, and remaining proud of their cultural values.

Babalanda also encouraged the community to strengthen unity, support one another and establish networks that can contribute to the social and economic development of Busoga and Uganda. She urged Ugandans in the diaspora to use their time abroad to acquire additional skills, knowledge, professional experience and networks while saving and investing wisely. The minister further reminded the gathering not to lose sight of the circumstances that took them abroad and to prepare for the possibility of returning home to contribute to national development. She concluded by emphasising the importance of remaining good ambassadors of Busoga and Uganda, observing that cultural identity and attachment to one's homeland should not be lost in the pursuit of opportunities abroad.

Government Highlights Diaspora Workers’ Welfare

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Dr. Aggrey David Kibenge, briefed the gathering on government efforts to strengthen the protection and welfare of Ugandan workers, including those employed outside the country.

Kibenge encouraged diaspora members to embrace a programme being initiated by the ministry to enable voluntary savings through the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), saying the initiative would help them prepare for retirement and old age. He thanked Ugandans living in the UAE for their contribution to the national economy through their various enterprises, employment and financial support to families back home. The Permanent Secretary also emphasised the importance of preparing for the future through savings and other social protection arrangements.

Uganda, UAE Trade and Investment Opportunities Highlighted

Uganda’s Ambassador to the UAE, Zaake Wanume Kibedi, welcomed the Kyabazinga and thanked him for accepting to celebrate his 12th Coronation Anniversary with his subjects living in the Gulf nation.

Kibedi informed the monarch about the different categories of Ugandans working in the UAE, including professionals, skilled workers and casual labourers, noting their contribution to Uganda’s economy and development. He called for stronger economic cooperation between Busoga, Uganda and the UAE, particularly in agriculture, where he said there was a ready market for selected Ugandan products. The ambassador identified avocados and sweet potatoes among the agricultural products with demand in UAE markets, adding that the Ugandan Embassy was ready to assist those interested in exploring export opportunities.

He also cited investments by UAE companies, including Modern, in Uganda’s production sector, noting that such ventures were creating employment opportunities for Ugandans. Kibedi urged the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to expedite the development of insurance policies and related protection mechanisms for diaspora members to help them prepare for unforeseen circumstances. He further proposed that the Kyabazinga’s coronation anniversary celebrations become an annual event in the UAE and expressed readiness to support the organisation of the next edition in 2027.

Busoga Community Celebrates Cultural Heritage

The event was organised by Basoga living in different parts of the UAE under the umbrella of Busoga Yaiffe UAE Chapter, led by Mr. Mugabi John. The Kyabazinga was received by a delegation of Basoga residents led by Ambassador Zaake Wanume Kibedi. Members welcomed their king through traditional Kisoga dances and cultural attire, creating an atmosphere of celebration and reaffirming their attachment to Busoga’s cultural heritage.

The monarch was accompanied by the Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Dr. Aggrey David Kibenge; and officials from Kyabazinga initiatives led by Mr. Samuel Niiwo. The wider Busoga Kingdom delegation, including the Katukiro, deputy officials and ministers, was unable to travel to the UAE due to travel restrictions linked to the Ebola outbreak. Despite the absence of the wider delegation, the anniversary brought together Basoga working in different sectors, providing an opportunity to celebrate their cultural identity, strengthen networks and discuss their contribution to development back home.

Coronation Anniversary Builds on Development Agenda

The Dubai celebrations followed the main 12th Coronation Anniversary organised by Busoga Kingdom on September 19, 2026, at Bunha Chiefdom in Mayuge District, under the theme, “Strengthening Our Cultural Values and Norms for Development.” During the celebrations, the Kingdom highlighted its initiatives in education, including scholarships, poverty reduction through agriculture, efforts to address teenage pregnancy, and the promotion of sports and tourism.

The initiatives reflect the Kingdom’s continued focus on using cultural institutions to complement government efforts in social and economic transformation. The Kyabazinga was enthroned on September 13, 2014, and his 12th coronation anniversary celebrations have provided opportunities for Basoga at home and abroad to reflect on their shared heritage and the role of cultural values in development. The Dubai event further extended the anniversary celebrations beyond Uganda, bringing together the Basoga diaspora around a shared message of cultural preservation, unity, investment and service to their homeland.