“…Culture is the widening of the mind and of the spirit, without which development might not take place at all, or if it does, might not be sustainable…”
Jawaharlal Nehru’s an Indian statesman and politician’s profound words aligns deeply in the context of Busoga kingdom’s pursuit of socio-economic transformation.
This philosophy was palpable during a Wednesday courtesy visit by a high-level delegation from Heifer International Uganda and its implementing partners to the Kyabazinga of Busoga, His Majesty William Gabula Nadiope IV at his Royal Palace situated at the Igenge Hill in Bugembe Town Council.
Under the visionary leadership of the Kyabazinga, HRH William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Nadiope Gabula IV, Busoga Kingdom has made tremendous progress in recent years connecting with partners and leaders from within and outside Uganda.
This strategic outreach has been aimed at attracting investment opportunities to stimulate socio-economic transformation in the region, which has historically been plagued by poverty, diseases, and social ills.
The Kingdom’s efforts to engage with international partners and leverage resources for development have been yielding promising results, and the visit by Heifer International Uganda is a testament to this growing collaboration.
The delegation, led by John Ssenyonga, Project Director of Stimulating Agribusiness for Youth Employment (SAYE), was warmly received by Busoga Kingdom’s 2nd Deputy Prime Minister, Alhaji Osman Ahmed Noor, alongside Kyabazinga Affairs Minister Yudaya Babirye and Minister of General Duties Owek. Edward Munaaba.
During the meeting, John Ssenyonga outlined the programs implemented by Heifer International and its partners, including the $48 million investment for SAYE aimed at empowering 250,000 young Busoga residents aged 15-35 years with decent and fulfilling work over a five-year period.
According to Donald Kirya,a journalist attached to Vision Group, who covered the event, John Ssenyonga highlighted that SAYE supports youth in starting and growing enterprises in areas such as production, value addition, access to finance, and market development through a multi-partner approach.
He expressed delight in sharing that SAYE has reached a pivotal milestone, impacting over 70,000 young people and community members with opportunities to unlock their agribusiness potential.
The 2nd Deputy Prime Minister of Busoga Kingdom, Alhaji Ahemed Noor Osman acknowledged the Kyabazinga’s leadership in addressing social issues such as teenage pregnancy and school dropouts.
Hajji Osman requested Heifer International Uganda to channel 5% ($2.4 million) of the $48 million investment through Kingdom structures that reach every village, emphasizing that this would create a deeper impact on the ground.
In his remarks, the Kyabazinga William Wilberforce Kadhumbiula Nadiope Gabula IV called for the inclusion of computer literacy and stronger cultural grounding for the region’s youth.
He stressed that agriculture remains the backbone of the sub-region and praised the project’s focus on women and young people.
However, the Kyabazinga also emphasized that sustainability in the modern world requires digital skills, stating, “…If you introduce a bit of computer learning, it will really make more sense. In this dynamic global world that is changing every other day, our youth need those skills to become better, sustain themselves and become better leaders in society…”
The Kyabazinga reiterated the Kingdom’s full commitment to working together with Heifer International Uganda to ensure they score one goal and serve his people.
This meeting underscores the importance of collaboration between development partners and cultural institutions in driving sustainable development and empowering communities.
Heifer International is a global nonprofit organization hat works to end hunger and poverty by providing livestock, seeds and training small0scale farmers and communities in need.
Their approach focuses on livestock and agriculture, community development, sustainability and it operates in over 40 countries, Uganda inclusive aiming to improve food security, nutrition and livelihoods for vulnerable populations.
Its goal is to create lasting impact, empowering communities to break the cycle of poverty and hunger.
1.Heifer International Uganda has invested $48m in the Stimulating Agribusiness for Youth Employment (SAYE) project aimed at empowering 250,000 young Busoga residents.
2. The project has already impacted over 70,000 young people and community members.
3. The Kyabazinga has called for the inclusion of computer literacy and stronger cultural grounding for the region’s youth.
4. Busoga Kingdom’s 2nd Deputy Prime Minister requested Heifer International to channel 5% ($2.4 million) of the investment through Kingdom structures.
