Busoga Kingdom Prime Minister Owek. Dr. Joseph Muvawala has challenged government to reconsider the future of Busoga University, saying Busoga must not settle for less. He says the region is not ready to take on secondary school blocks and has tasked Luuka South MP Hon. Steven Kisa to lead Busoga’s message to Parliament and push for a university that matches the region’s ambitions.
JINJA — Busoga Kingdom Prime Minister Owek. Dr Joseph Muvawala has challenged leaders to demand a quality university for the region, warning against settling for an institution that does not meet the educational and development aspirations of the people of Busoga. Dr Muvawala made the remarks on Wednesday while presiding over the third day of the 2026 Busoga Prayer Week at Christ Cathedral Bugembe, where religious and community leaders gathered to pray for Busoga and reflect on issues shaping its future.
He questioned what he described as a “low-standard university” being offered to Busoga, saying the region should demand an institution capable of providing quality education, developing relevant skills and contributing to its long-term socio-economic transformation. Dr Muvawala challenged Busoga leaders to collectively raise the matter with the relevant authorities, saying the region should not remain silent on institutions that have a direct bearing on the future of its young people.
He specifically challenged Hon Steven Kisa, the Luuka South Member of Parliament and chairman of the Busoga Prayer Week organising committee, to engage the Speaker of Parliament over the matter and advocate for an outcome that responds to the aspirations of the region. The Katukiro said Busoga must also take responsibility for strengthening its own institutions instead of relying entirely on government or external actors. He urged religious leaders to ensure that institutions under their stewardship are led by competent people, asking the Bishop of Busoga Diocese to appoint capable boards to oversee Anglican-founded schools.
‘Do not bring the past’
Dr Muvawala also urged leaders to stop allowing past disagreements to define the region's future.
“Let us not bring the past when building Busoga,” he said, calling for a renewed focus on issues that unite the region and can accelerate its development.
He said rebuilding Busoga must begin at household level, challenging leaders to demonstrate the change they advocate for within their own homes and communities. The Katukiro also called on beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) to use the funds productively and ensure that the money contributes to local economic growth. He welcomed the increase in the PDM financing limit from Shs1 million to Shs5 million and called for greater financial inclusion and access to banking services to enable communities to save, invest and expand their enterprises.
Dr Muvawala further urged religious leaders to use their platforms to explain government programmes to communities and encourage beneficiaries to turn public resources into productive economic activities.
Lumumba urges families to act
The call for practical action was echoed at Our Lady of Fatima, where Minister for ICT and National Guidance Justine Kasule Lumumba urged households to take greater responsibility for their economic wellbeing. Ms Lumumba said government would continue supporting communities, but families should not wait for government before starting productive economic activities. She urged households to identify enterprises they can establish and sustain, saying a stronger household economy would provide a foundation for broader economic transformation in Busoga.
Her message added a household-level dimension to the Prayer Week discussions, with leaders urging communities to combine prayer with practical action.
Mula outlines development priorities
Director General of the Busoga Consortium for Development, Dr Anthony Mula, said transforming the region requires sustained coordination between political, cultural, religious and technical leaders. Dr Mula cited developments including Kimaka Airport and the Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, among other infrastructure and service interventions, as examples of investments supporting the region's development. He said the Busoga Consortium for Development would continue working with Owek. Dr Muvawala, the Katukiro of Busoga, and other stakeholders to advance the region's development priorities.
Dr Mula said the Consortium is pursuing eight major development priorities under the broader Busoga Vision 2030 agenda, focusing on sectors considered critical to the region's socio-economic transformation. He also commended the coordination between the National Planning Authority and Busoga leadership in aligning regional priorities with national development planning.
Prayer and rebuilding
The fourth edition of the Busoga Prayer Week, running from September 21 to 27 under the theme “Let’s Raise Up and Rebuild,” is being observed across different denominations and places of worship. The annual gathering brings together religious, cultural, political and community leaders to pray for the region while reflecting on challenges affecting its development.
This year's messages have placed emphasis on stronger institutions, household economic activity, responsible use of government programmes and unity among leaders and communities. The Prayer Week concludes on September 27 with final prayers in Mayuge District, where leaders are expected to renew their call for unity and practical action towards rebuilding Busoga.
The theme of this year's prayers—“Let’s Raise Up and Rebuild”—has therefore taken on a broader meaning, with leaders calling for spiritual renewal to be matched by action in education, household incomes, institutions and the wider development of the region.