Kyabazinga Urges Busoga Youth to Embrace Education, Skills and Agriculture

By Barasa Richard-Osmara Digital Media

MAYUGE, UGANDA — September 19, 2026 The Isebantu Kyabazinga of Busoga, His Majesty William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Gabula Nadiope IV, has called on young people across the kingdom to prioritise education, vocational skills and agriculture as pathways to economic empowerment and community development.

The Kyabazinga made the call on Saturday, September 19, 2026, during celebrations marking his 12th Coronation Anniversary at the Mayuge District Headquarters grounds in Bunha Chiefdom. The anniversary, held under the theme “Strengthening Our Culture and Traditions Through Development,” brought together hundreds of Basoga, government officials, cultural leaders, religious leaders, members of Parliament and representatives of other cultural institutions. The celebrations had earlier been postponed from September 13 to September 19 following the death of the late Omukama of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

In his address, the Kyabazinga urged young people to make responsible choices and pursue opportunities that can improve their livelihoods while contributing to the wellbeing of their families and communities. He highlighted education and practical skills as important tools for preparing young people for employment and entrepreneurship, while encouraging them to participate in agricultural programmes promoted by the Kingdom.

The Kyabazinga also encouraged his subjects to use the rainy season to grow food crops, saying increased household production can contribute to food security and strengthen family incomes. He further urged young people to take advantage of Kingdom programmes in areas such as coffee and cocoa production, tree planting and sports, while emphasising the importance of collective responsibility in developing Busoga.

Mobilising Men and Boys to Protect the Girl Child

The Kyabazinga also highlighted the role of the Kingdom's initiatives in addressing social challenges affecting children and families. He pointed to the “Abasadha N'empango” initiative, which seeks to mobilise men and boys to take greater responsibility in protecting children, preventing teenage pregnancy and encouraging children to remain in school.

The initiative has been associated with efforts by the Kyabazinga's office and development partners to promote positive male involvement in the wellbeing and education of children. The Kyabazinga's emphasis on education, skills and responsible parenthood comes as Busoga continues to confront challenges related to youth unemployment, school dropout and teenage pregnancy.

Museveni Commends Kyabazinga's Leadership

Representing President Yoweri Museveni at the celebrations, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja conveyed the President's congratulations to the Kyabazinga on reaching 12 years on the Busoga throne. President Museveni credited the Kyabazinga with promoting peace, unity and development in Busoga since his accession to the throne on September 13, 2014.

The President also reaffirmed Government's commitment to working with the Kingdom on development priorities, including infrastructure and social services.

Nabbanja delivered a contribution of UGX 30 million from President Museveni towards the celebrations, which was handed over to Busoga's Prime Minister, Katuukiro Dr. Joseph Muvawala.

Government Calls for Agricultural Diversification

Nabbanja also conveyed the President's message encouraging regional leaders to guide farmers towards crops that can mature relatively quickly and provide food and income, rather than relying excessively on small-scale sugarcane production.

The message adds to the Kyabazinga's own call for greater agricultural production, particularly among young people.

The Kingdom's emphasis on cocoa, coffee, food crops and tree planting reflects an effort to position agriculture not only as a source of food but also as an avenue for employment, enterprise and household income.

Leaders Commend Kingdom's Development Efforts

Third Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Nakadama thanked those who participated in organising and supporting the anniversary celebrations.

Minister for the Presidency Milly Babirye Babalanda commended the Kyabazinga for working with development partners, including DLLN-Uganda, on projects such as the construction of a nine-classroom block, boys' and girls' dormitories and a modern kitchen at Kitaidhumba Community Primary School in Budiope. Katuukiro Dr. Joseph Muvawala, meanwhile, thanked development partners and private-sector supporters, including MTN Uganda, Mayuge Sugar and Keshwaala Group, for their contribution to the Kingdom's programmes.

The celebrations also brought together representatives of other cultural institutions, including Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister Charles Peter Mayiga. Mayiga highlighted the historical and cultural ties between Buganda and Busoga and commended the Kyabazinga for preserving Busoga's cultural heritage.

Other dignitaries included hereditary chiefs led by Busoga Chief Prince (Isabalangira) Samuel Zirabamuzale Nkuutu, clan heads led by Isabakungania Richard Mafumo, religious leaders, kingdom ministers and Members of Parliament from Busoga.

A Youth-Centred Message for Busoga's Future

The Kyabazinga's anniversary message placed young people at the centre of Busoga's development agenda, with education, practical skills and agriculture presented as complementary avenues for creating opportunities.

For many young people, vocational training can provide practical skills for self-employment and enterprise, while agriculture can offer opportunities across production, processing, value addition and trade. The Kingdom's continued engagement with government, development partners and the private sector could therefore provide a platform for expanding such opportunities across Busoga.

As the celebrations concluded, the Kyabazinga's message was one of shared responsibility: parents, cultural leaders, religious institutions, government and development partners all have a role to play in creating an environment in which young people can acquire knowledge, practical skills and productive opportunities.

The 12th Coronation Anniversary thus ended not only as a celebration of the Kyabazinga's reign, but also with a call for Busoga's younger generation to become active participants in the region's social and economic transformation.