MENGO — The Buganda Kingdom has called on County Chiefs and their deputies to promote unity and social cohesion among the people of Buganda following a politically charged election period that has left some citizens divided, uncertain and disillusioned.
The appeal was made by Joseph Kawuki, the Minister for Local Government, Kabaka’s Tours and Diaspora Affairs, during a meeting of County Chiefs and their deputies at Bulange on Thursday.
The meeting brought together county leaders from across the kingdom to review the implementation of Kingdom programmes, assess progress made over the past year and identify priority areas requiring greater attention.
Addressing the gathering, Kawuki underscored the critical role County Chiefs play in connecting the Kingdom leadership to communities and ensuring that Kingdom initiatives are successfully implemented at the grassroots level.
“County Chiefs are the driving force behind the implementation of Buganda Kingdom activities and programs. It is essential that we all work together because they are responsible for delivering services and information directly to the people, while also conveying information and feedback from the counties back to the Kingdom headquarters,” he said.
Kawuki said the meeting was intended not only to assess performance but also to strengthen service delivery and align county activities with the Kingdom’s broader vision of social and economic transformation.
He noted that many citizens had emerged from the recent election period with differing experiences and emotions, with some celebrating outcomes while others remained disappointed or confused.
“It is the responsibility of County Chiefs to guide and encourage the people, helping them regain confidence and work together in support of the Kingdom’s programs and initiatives,” he said.
The minister also pointed to growing social and economic challenges facing some residents, including displacement from workplaces and homes, which he said have left many people vulnerable and in need of support.
According to Kawuki, county leaders must work closely with communities to ensure that affected individuals are guided and protected from unnecessary hardships while remaining engaged in Kingdom programmes.
As Buganda intensifies preparations for the upcoming Masaza Football Tournament, Kawuki urged county leaders to promote discipline among players and supporters, strengthen cultural values and traditions, and reinforce leadership structures from the village level upwards.
He also encouraged chiefs to support lower administrative structures, uphold transparency and remain committed to the Kingdom's established principles and guidelines.
Representing the Chairperson of the County Chiefs’ Council, Ahmed Magandaazi Matovu Kaggo said regular engagements between county leaders and Kingdom ministers are essential for effective administration.
He noted that County Chiefs serve as a vital bridge between the Kingdom headquarters and local communities by communicating Kingdom policies while also relaying concerns from citizens.
“This is one of the key reasons why we regularly meet with the responsible ministers to ensure effective service delivery and communication,” he said.
Lumaama David Luyimbaazi said periodic reviews help county leaders assess the effectiveness of ongoing programmes and identify areas requiring improvement.
He said the meetings are particularly important as the Kingdom continues implementing the Situla Omutindo initiative, which seeks to improve service delivery and community engagement throughout Buganda.
According to Luyimbaazi, the reviews help determine whether Kingdom programmes are reaching intended beneficiaries and whether citizens are actively participating in them.
Meanwhile, Andrew Ssempijja said county leaders had been reminded to strictly adhere to regulations governing the Masaza Football Tournament as preparations gather pace.
He added that organisers had also been urged to remain vigilant amid concerns over Ebola and ensure that all public health guidelines issued by medical authorities are observed during tournament activities.
Regina Nasseremba, the Second Deputy Chief of Mukwenda County, said counties are already mobilising communities to support the tournament and other Kingdom initiatives.
She said local leaders are working to promote discipline and sportsmanship to ensure that the competition remains a unifying event that strengthens community participation and cultural pride.
The meeting highlighted the Kingdom's continued focus on grassroots mobilisation, cultural preservation and community cohesion as Buganda seeks to strengthen local leadership structures and rally citizens around its development agenda.