On September 23, Minister for the Presidency and Member of Parliament for Budiope West Constituency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, held a colourful Thanksgiving ceremony at Iringa Township Primary School in Nkondo Sub-County, Buyende District. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was the Chief Guest. The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries and locals. Minister Babalanda expressed her gratitude to God for the gift of life and the opportunity to serve the country and the people of Budiope West.
Minister Babalanda said she was deeply honoured by the President's presence, noting that his decision to join the celebration gave special meaning to the occasion. She warmly welcomed the President to Iringa and Buyende District. The Minister also used the occasion to wish the President a happy belated birthday on behalf of her family and the people of Budiope West. She prayed to Almighty God to preserve his life and grant him strength, good health, and renewed wisdom.
The Minister expressed her deepest appreciation to President Museveni for the confidence he has placed in her. She said he recognised potential in her at a time when many may not have considered her deserving of such responsibility. Minister Babalanda stated that the President lifted her from humble beginnings, nurtured her, mentored her, and patiently gave her opportunities to learn, grow, and serve the country.
Minister Babalanda also paid special tribute to the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni. She thanked God for the gift of her life and for the strength, wisdom, and grace with which she continues to support the President and serve the nation. The Minister described Maama Janet's life of faith, humility, compassion, and devoted service as an inspiration to many.
The Minister enumerated various interventions that have benefited people in different parts of Uganda, with special attention given to grassroots communities in Budiope West. These interventions include 20,000 hoes secured through Government support, school desks and sanitation facilities, additional hoes and maize for production, poultry and dairy support, boreholes and community roads, an ambulance and health referrals, tents and solar lighting, construction materials, and coffee seedlings.
Minister Babalanda thanked President Museveni for his leadership in keeping Uganda focused on peace, security, wealth creation, value addition, employment, and socio-economic transformation. She said that the people of Budiope West are ready to deepen household production, embrace skills and enterprise, educate their children, and protect the gains made under stable leadership. The Minister also appreciated Government interventions designed to support households in moving from subsistence production into the money economy.
Minister Babalanda appealed for the establishment of a technical institute in Buyende District to equip young people with practical, marketable, and employable skills. She congratulated all NRM flag bearers upon being entrusted with the responsibility of carrying the party's message and called upon them to remain humble, disciplined, and united. The Minister pledged to honour the trust placed in her through loyalty, integrity, hard work, and service that delivers meaningful results for the people.
Key points
- Minister Babalanda praises President Museveni for transforming her life and championing development in Uganda.
- The Minister expresses gratitude to the President for his leadership in keeping Uganda focused on peace, security, and socio-economic transformation.
- Minister Babalanda appeals for the establishment of a technical institute in Buyende District to equip young people with practical skills.
