A high-level delegation from State House, led by Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Duties David Kenneth Mafabi and Special Presidential Assistant Nabirye Barbra Nana, on October 3rd, 2025 paid a courtesy visit to the Kyabazinga of Busoga at Igenge Palace in Bugembe, Jinja City.
The meeting focused on transformative development initiatives aimed at uplifting the Busoga region through innovative agricultural and educational projects.
The delegation presented two key proposals to the Kyabazinga, centered on addressing critical challenges in post-harvest handling and fostering leadership development among Busoga’s youth.
Mafabi highlighted the staggering 60-70% post-harvest losses faced by farmers in the region, emphasizing the need for a Post-Harvest Service Law Center.
This proposed facility would equip local farmers with skills and infrastructure for improved harvesting, processing, and value addition to agricultural products, to curb food loss, enhance export potential, and boost the local economy.
The initiative is designed to complement the Parish Development Model (PDM) by addressing its gaps and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
“We need to ensure proper packaging and transportation to prevent food loss and enable exports,” said Nabirye, who underscored her expertise in wealth creation and entrepreneurship.
Nabirye emphasized the importance of increasing both the quality and quantity of agricultural produce to eradicate poverty in Busoga.
She also presented educational materials she has developed, including books aimed at teaching children under 10 years about wealth creation and essential life skills, fostering a new generation of informed and capable leaders.
The second proposal focused on establishing a specialized leadership school for children aged between 8 to 18 years.
This institution would offer a tailored curriculum and tutoring to nurture future leaders in Busoga.
Mafabi noted that the school would provide a unique educational approach to prepare young Basoga for cultural and economic contributions to the Kingdom.
The Kyabazinga His Majesty Isabirye William Gabula Nadiope IV, warmly welcomed both initiatives, describing them as vital for Busoga’s progress.
He requested the delegation to submit a detailed concept note for further review and expressed enthusiasm for collaborating on these projects.
“These are very good initiatives. We need value addition and leadership development to move Busoga forward,” he remarked, drawing on his academic background in Global Affairs and an MBA in Management from Coventry University, UK.
He emphasized the importance of leveraging modern technology, such as Zoom, to enhance educational outreach and ensure the sustainability of these projects.
The Kyabazinga also acknowledged the delegation’s commitment, noting his long-standing acquaintance with Mafabi and appreciating the team’s efforts to involve the youth and broader Busoga community in development efforts.
He encouraged continued collaboration, stating, “We shall move together to concretize these ideas for the benefit of our people.”
The visit marks a significant step toward fostering development in Busoga, with the proposed Post-Harvest Service Law Center and leadership school poised to address critical economic and educational needs.
The delegation pledged to work expeditiously to finalize the proposals and ensure their successful implementation in partnership with Busoga Kingdom.
Present were all the chiefs from the 11 chiefdoms of Busoga led by Issabalangira of Busoga Samuel Nkuutu Zirabamuzale, Busoga Kingdom Permanent Secretary Godfrey Samanya Ssajabi, Busoga Kingdom’s Finance Minister Owek. Ivan Kiirya and members of the Royal Family.
