The Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Gabula Nadiope IV, addressed a gathering of Basoga residents in the United Arab Emirates during his 12th coronation anniversary, commending their industriousness and urging them to uphold cultural values while investing in Uganda’s development. Speaking at an event organized by the Busoga Yaiffe UAE Chapter under John Mugabi, the Kyabazinga highlighted the diaspora’s role in supporting families back home and encouraged investments in agriculture, particularly coffee and cocoa farming. He reiterated the Obwakyabazinga Bwa Busoga’s openness to investors, pledging institutional support for ventures aligned with the kingdom’s growth. The celebration, themed "Inspiring a new generation to carry the values, vision and legacy of Busoga forward," featured traditional Kisoga dances and attire, with attendees including Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda Babirye and Dr. Aggrey David Kibenge, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MoGLSD).
The Dubai event followed a September 19 celebration in Bunha Chiefdom, Mayuge District, marking the Kyabazinga’s 12th anniversary, which was extended to honor the mourning period for the late Omukama of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Rukidi IV. The Kyabazinga was enthroned on September 13, 2014, and the diaspora gatherings underscored efforts to strengthen cultural norms for development. Ambassador Zaake Kibedi, Uganda’s representative in the UAE, highlighted opportunities in agricultural exports like avocados and sweet potatoes, noting Emirati investments in Uganda through firms such as Modern. He also proposed making the Dubai coronation celebration an annual event, with plans to host it again in 2027. Dr. Kibenge outlined the MoGLSD’s work on labor protections for Ugandans abroad and encouraged diaspora members to join the National Social Security Fund’s (NSSF) savings scheme, which recently announced a record 22.53% interest rate on member savings.
Minister Babalanda Babirye emphasized the importance of cultural preservation, urging Basoga in the UAE to teach children Lusoga, share Busoga’s history, and maintain pride in their heritage. She called for unity among the diaspora, advocating for skill-building, prudent savings, and investments to support Busoga’s development. "East or West, home is the best," she said, framing the diaspora’s role as ambassadors of Uganda’s values. Meanwhile, Kyabazinga Initiatives officials, including Julius Alpha Kalugu and Samuel Niiwo, highlighted programs to connect the diaspora with local development projects. Ambassador Kibedi also stressed the need for insurance policies to protect diaspora members from disasters, aligning with broader efforts to secure their welfare.
The Kyabazinga’s message resonated with public-interest concerns, including calls for improved access to sickle cell treatment and quality education in Busoga. His remarks coincided with broader regional discussions on land management and economic diversification, as seen in President Museveni’s earlier critique of Busoga leaders over land fragmentation. The diaspora’s economic contributions—through remittances and business ventures—were framed as critical to Uganda’s growth, with the Kyabazinga’s initiatives aiming to channel these resources into sustainable projects. As the celebrations concluded, the emphasis on cultural continuity and economic collaboration underscored the enduring influence of the Obwakyabazinga institution across geographical and generational divides.