Babalanda Launches Buganda Presidential Envoy Office to Strengthen Mengo-Government Relations

The Minister in Charge of the Presidency, Hon. Milly Babalanda, has launched the Office of the Senior Presidential Special Envoy in Charge of Buganda Affairs. This new office, headed by Mr. Joseph Mukasa Sewava, aims to provide a permanent channel for engagement between the Buganda Kingdom and the Central Government on matters of mutual interest. Babalanda emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between the two entities for national unity and socio-economic transformation.

During the launch at Mosa Courts, Nakasero, Kampala, Babalanda conveyed greetings from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and other key government officials. She commended President Museveni for establishing the office, highlighting the vital role cultural institutions play in promoting national unity and development. Babalanda also recognized Buganda's historical, political, and administrative contributions to Uganda, urging its leadership and people to actively participate in the country's socio-economic transformation.

Babalanda tasked Sewava with executing his duties with humility, patriotism, and dedication. She emphasized that the office should build trust, address concerns, and facilitate practical solutions rather than becoming a ceremonial institution. The Minister stated that the office must serve as a bridge for dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual understanding between the Buganda Kingdom and the Central Government.

Babalanda urged the Buganda Kingdom to embrace wealth creation initiatives, citing coffee production as a successful collaboration example. She commended the Kingdom's Mwanyi Terimba campaign for complementing government efforts through various programs. The Minister encouraged residents to participate in government programs, such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, and the 4-Acre Model, to improve household incomes and promote sustainable livelihoods.

The Minister also appreciated the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, for his efforts in improving relations between the Kingdom and the Central Government. Babalanda reaffirmed the government's commitment to consolidating progress, stressing that dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual respect should take precedence over confrontation. She praised Buganda's longstanding hospitality towards Ugandans from other parts of the country.

Babalanda identified key areas requiring stronger partnerships, including agriculture, tourism, education, health, and enterprise development. She urged citizens to uphold brotherhood, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, with religious leaders and other stakeholders playing an active role in promoting unity. The Minister emphasized that poverty and underdevelopment are common enemies and challenges that Ugandans must address together.

Congratulating Sewava upon his appointment, Babalanda expressed confidence that the new office would strengthen relations between Mengo and the Central Government. She noted that when Buganda prospers, Uganda prospers, and when their institutions work together, ordinary Ugandans benefit the most. With this new office, the government aims to foster collaboration and address challenges affecting Ugandans.

Key points

• The office will provide a permanent channel for engagement between the Buganda Kingdom and the Central Government.
• Babalanda urged the Buganda Kingdom to embrace wealth creation initiatives.
• The Minister appreciated the Katikkiro of Buganda for his efforts in improving relations between the Kingdom and the Central Government.