William Gabula Nadiope IV, the King (Isebantu Kyabazinga) of Busoga, has been appointed as a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador to spearhead efforts against teenage pregnancy in Busoga and across Uganda.
The initiative, titled Abasadha Ne’Mpango (Men Are the Pillars), aims to tackle fundamental issues such as poverty, absentee parenting, and inadequate access to reproductive health services, while actively engaging men and boys in the process.
This announcement was made by Owekitiibwa Haji Osman Ahmed Noor, the 2nd Deputy Prime Minister of Busoga Kingdom, during a discussion on Baba FM.
The appointment is in line with UNAIDS’ goal of achieving zero new HIV infections and related objectives.
The campaign will receive backing from UNAIDS and 11 UN agencies, including United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organisation (WHO), and United Nationl Population Fund (UNFPA), all collaborating to address poverty, educational disparities, and detrimental social norms.
The official launch is scheduled for December 13, 2024, at the Busoga Kingdom Headquarters, coinciding with Uganda’s observance of International Men’s Day.
The upcoming event, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, will offer complimentary medical services, including TB screenings, HIV counseling, and prostate cancer examinations.
The Kyabazinga Initiatives (KI) will spearhead this campaign, aimed at fostering development in Busoga through targeted strategies.
Following this, a comprehensive public awareness initiative is set to launch early next year to further engage local communities.
In addition, the Kyabazinga will mark his 36th birthday with a grand royal banquet on December 14.
The festivities will continue with the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup Final on December 15, featuring an exciting match between Butembe and Bukono at Bugembe Stadium, which will be followed by a friendly game between Busoga United FC and the Uganda Cranes.
Owekitiibwa Haji Osman Ahmed Noor urged the public to attend the MTN BUSOGA Masaza Cup Final on December 15th 2024.
“I urge all people of Busoga to join us at Kyabazinga Stadium Bugembe for this historic match as we celebrate not only the Kyabazinga’s birthday but also the strength and unity of Busoga through sports,” he said.
