KAMPALA — The government has renewed efforts to strengthen its relationship with Buganda Kingdom after a high-level delegation of ministers held talks with kingdom officials at Bulange, Mengo, on improving cooperation in service delivery and development.
The delegation, led by Vice President Jessica Alupo, included Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda, Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba, State Minister for Lands Persis Namuganza, and State Minister in the Office of the Vice President Diana Mutasingwa.
Others were Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda, State Minister for Fisheries Robert Migadde, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Haruna Kasolo and State Minister for Local Government Justine Namere, among others.
The ministers were received by Buganda Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, who was accompanied by members of the kingdom’s cabinet.
Delivering a message from President Yoweri Museveni, Alupo said the President is seeking an opportunity to meet Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II and county chiefs whenever the Kingdom arranges such an engagement.
"The President wishes to meet the Kabaka and other county chiefs whenever the Kingdom arranges such engagements," Alupo said.
She described the meeting as a step towards building stronger collaboration between the central government and Buganda Kingdom.
"This meeting marks the start of a stronger partnership that will help improve the welfare of our people," she said.
Alupo also commended development initiatives by the Kingdom, including the Nnabagereka’s Ekisakaate programme and other community projects aimed at improving livelihoods.
Mayiga said both the Government and Buganda share a responsibility to serve citizens and called for continued cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, health and education.
"What unites Uganda and Buganda is our commitment to serving the people. We should continue working together in agriculture, health and education for the benefit of our citizens," Mayiga said.
The Katikkiro asked Alupo to convey the Kingdom’s concerns to President Museveni, including the need to intensify efforts against corruption, address insecurity and improve transport infrastructure, particularly in Kampala.
He also urged leaders to uphold integrity in public service.
"There is no leadership that does not come from God. Those entrusted with leadership should serve faithfully and honestly," he said.
President Museveni’s Special Envoy on Buganda Affairs, Joseph Mukasa Ssewava, described the meeting as an important step towards creating a more structured relationship between the Government and the Kingdom.
"This is the beginning of a deeper and more structured relationship between the central government and the Buganda Kingdom," Ssewava said.
Babalanda said the Government wants closer cooperation with Buganda to improve the delivery of national programmes, including the Parish Development Model (PDM) and other wealth creation initiatives.
"When Government programmes are implemented in partnership with Buganda, they reach the people faster and more effectively," she said.
She also warned against attempts to create divisions between the Government and the Kingdom, saying both institutions share a common interest in promoting development and stability.
"Both the Government and Buganda are committed to serving the people. We should protect the peace and the achievements the country has registered instead of promoting division," Babalanda said.
The meeting marks one of the latest efforts by the Government and Buganda Kingdom to rebuild cooperation following years of tensions over political, cultural and administrative issues.
The ministers said they were satisfied with the outcome of the engagement and pledged to continue working with the Kingdom to improve service delivery and socio-economic development.
