Inhebantu highlights principles for strengthening families in Busoga

Inhebantu Mutesi emphasised the significance of family leadership, food security, hygiene, and education, urging the community to embrace their cultural identity and work together to combat poverty.

JINJA CITY | In a royal banquet event called Ekiiwulo Kya Inhebantu, Inhebantu Jovia Mutesi of the Busoga Kingdom outlined core principles essential for strengthening families in Busoga.

The event, held at Igenge Palace in Bugembe, Jinja City, marked an important occasion as it was the queen's first public function since her wedding three months ago.

The Kyabazinga of Busoga, Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope, graced the occasion and recognised the valuable contributions of women from the Neyendeire Development Initiative (NDI) towards the development of Busoga.

Inhebantu Mutesi emphasised the significance of family bonding, food security, hygiene, and education, urging the community to embrace their cultural identity and work together to combat poverty.

Inhebantu also accepted the role of patron of Neyendeire as she begins her journey to contribute to the transformation of Busoga.

During the event, Inhebantu also demonstrated traditional practices such as sorting and pounding groundnuts (amaido) that serve as celebrations of heritage and educational opportunities for the region's youth.

The Neyendeire Development Initiative, led by Dorothy Kisaka, the executive director of the Kampala Capital City Authority, is a consortium of women-led village development and morality instilling groups.

First Lady Janet Museveni launched the initiative in 2015.

 

Its aim is to equip women with essential skills in child rearing, education, food security, agriculture, and primary healthcare, empowering grassroots households with economic stability and hygienic practices.

Kyabazinga Gabula praised the initiative for its commitment to empowering women and fostering socio-economic growth within the region.

He emphasised the importance of unity in pursuing Busoga's development and expressed gratitude to President Museveni for supporting the Kingdom.

The event began with Inhebantu engaging in demonstrations of traditional agricultural practices, including the planting and harvesting of staple foods like sweet potatoes (Emboli) and matooke.

Joseph Muvawala, the prime minister of the Busoga Kingdom, echoed the sentiment of progress, declaring Busoga as a dynamic force driving towards prosperity. He also highlighted upcoming initiatives focused on environmental conservation, such as a tree-planting project supported by Kyabazinga Nadiope.

Kisaka expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the monarchs for their unwavering support and reaffirmed her commitment to uplift families and communities throughout Busoga.

Through NDI's efforts, a cooperative society (savings group) has been established, providing accessible credit facilities for individuals interested in small-scale entrepreneurial ventures.

The women's group concluded the event by presenting household items, food, and a cow, among other gifts, to their new patron, Inhebantu.