The Buganda Kingdom has disbursed over shs 92 million to three counties—Kyaggwe, Busiro, and Buddu—under its flagship Luwalo Lwange initiative to bolster ongoing socio-economic development efforts.
The funds were officially handed over at a colorful event held at Bulange, Mmengo, presided over by Buganda Kingdom’s Minister for Youth, Sports, and Talent, Robert Sserwanga , who emphasized the importance of resilience in the face of economic challenges, particularly the recent drop in coffee prices that has affected many farmers across the region.
“Every crop has its season of high and low prices. Right now, the prices seem to have fallen. But a farmer who doesn’t have coffee cannot understand the value of someone who does,” said . Sserwanga.
He encouraged farmers not to lose hope due to the fluctuating market conditions, adding that agriculture remains a vital pillar of household income. He advised communities to diversify into other income-generating activities that can sustain families by catering to critical needs such as school fees and daily expenses.
The Luwalo Lwange initiative, which translates to “My Voluntary Contribution,” is a grassroots-driven development campaign that encourages Buganda Kingdom subjects to participate in nation-building by contributing resources, time, and skills for communal progress.
Minister Sserwanga also called on the youth, especially those still in school, to get involved in volunteerism, no matter how modest their contribution, noting that service to the kingdom is foundational to instilling a sense of responsibility and patriotism.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including Joseph Kawuki, Buganda’s Minister for Local Government, who lauded sub-county leaders for putting the Kabaka’s land to productive use.
“We are seeing sub-county leaders championing income generation from the Kabaka’s land and bringing services closer to his people. That is commendable,” said Kawuki.
Meanwhile, Presidential Advisor on National Security Vincent Ssempijja urged leaders to support all development efforts championed by the Kabaka. He echoed concerns about coffee market instability, attributing it to heightened global competition.
“Brazil has returned to the market with large volumes, which has created stiff competition. Our farmers must now focus on producing high-quality coffee and protecting their crops with diligence,” Ssempijja advised.
Kalungu West Member of Parliament, Hon. Francis Katabaazi Katongole, expressed profound appreciation for the Kingdom’s impactful development initiatives under the Luwalo Lwange umbrella. He praised the Kingdom’s poverty eradication programs, the coffee seedling distribution drive, and the groundbreaking Tractors Project.
“When the Kabaka gave out tractors, I was shocked and inspired. He did that without collecting taxes. If he were taxing people, it wouldn’t be surprising—yet Buganda contributes a significant portion of national revenue,” said Hon. Katabaazi.
He also commended the effectiveness of the Kingdom’s leadership, noting:
“A government doesn’t need too many ministers to perform well. The Kabaka’s government has a small team, but they are committed and deliver exceptional results because they are not confined to offices.”
The well-attended ceremony, hosted by one of the sub-counties under the Luwalo Lwange campaign, also saw participation from notable local leaders including Aisha Ssekindi, former Ministet Vincent Ssempijja, singer Mathias Walukaga, and others.
The Luwalo Lwange initiative continues to serve as a cornerstone of Buganda’s decentralised development agenda, empowering communities to take ownership of transformation efforts while reinforcing cultural identity and unity.