The Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, has urged Ugandans to embrace hard work, utilise government empowerment programmes and reject corruption, describing it as a major obstacle to national development.
Babalanda made the remarks yesterday while officiating at the funeral of Mzee Erizephan Ndimukika in Buwagi, Budondo, Jinja District.
Mzee Ndimukika was the father of former Archbishop of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Uganda, Pastor Dr. Moses Ndimukika Maka.
Delivering condolences on behalf of the government, Babalanda conveyed messages of sympathy from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni, and the Office of the President.
“I commiserated with the bereaved family for the passing of the late and also expressed gratitude to the Almighty God for the life well lived — a life of service, wisdom and love that touched so many,” Babalanda said.
She paid tribute to Mzee Ndimukika’s legacy of hard work and dedication, noting that he was recognised as one of the model farmers in Jinja District and was once visited by President Museveni at his home.
Babalanda encouraged Ugandans to emulate his example by using available resources and government initiatives such as Emyooga, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the 4-acre model approach to improve livelihoods and fight poverty.
She also used the occasion to warn against corruption, describing it as a vice that undermines development and affects essential services.
“Corruption steals from our schools, our hospitals, our roads and the future of our children. It robs the poor, slows development and undermines the values of hard work and integrity we stand for as a nation,” she said.
Babalanda called on citizens to actively oppose corruption in their workplaces and communities.
“Say no to corruption in your office and in your community. Let us report it, refuse it and reject those who practise it,” she said.
She added that government has introduced programmes and digital platforms, including PDM, Emyooga, OWC and e-services, to bring services closer to citizens and reduce reliance on intermediaries.
“Together, with unity and vigilance, we can build a Uganda that is self-reliant, prosperous and free from corruption,” she said.
Babalanda prayed for eternal peace for the deceased and comfort for the bereaved family.
The funeral was attended by family members, SDA Church leaders, government officials and residents of Budondo.