Buyende — At a Thanksgiving ceremony held at Iringa Township Primary School in Buyende District, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, Minister for the Presidency, turned an emotional tribute into a strong rallying call for President Yoweri Museveni’s continued leadership, urging support for his candidature in the 2026 general elections.
The event, attended by top government officials, NRM leaders, religious figures, and residents from across Busoga, doubled as a celebration of Hon. Babalanda’s recovery from a life-threatening illness and her enduring political journey under President Museveni’s mentorship.
Hon. Babalanda opened her address with deep gratitude, revealing how her life was saved through the personal intervention of President Museveni after she was struck by COVID-19 in 2021, shortly after being appointed Minister.
“Your Excellency, the Bible teaches us to always be thankful in everything we get or do so that our Father in Heaven can see this and multiply our blessings,” she said. “I grew up in a humble but religious home… I developed a meek character, growing through many hands of God-fearing individuals and persevering along the way.”
She recalled the critical moments of her illness: “I battled the virus, but it had weakened me so much. Indeed, this was visibly manifested when I appeared for the swearing-in ceremony. Nevertheless, I had to proceed and receive the office in that state, but I immediately returned to the hospital. I was indisposed for another six months.”
Despite her absence, she noted that the Office of the Presidency continued to function, thanks to the dedication of officials like Haji Yunus Kakande and Haji Faruk Kirunda, whom she commended “for standing in the gap.”
Reflecting on her political rise, Hon. Babalanda credited the President for identifying her potential and nurturing her from grassroots mobilisation to a national leadership role. “Through political engagements and mobilisation, I got a chance to meet with H.E. the President, who identified me from the many cadres because of my special appeal and commitment and the love I had for my country.”
She detailed her early assignments, including her service as deputy RDC for Busia and her work in the President’s mobilisation office at Mbuya, which ultimately led to her ministerial appointment. She further shared a touching moment at Rwakitura when the President advised her to return to school while maintaining her role:
“I went back to school not because I did not qualify for the job… but due to the mistake I made after my ‘O’ levels, of joining an institution that was not affiliated to UBTEB… Mzee, I did not disappoint you. I went back to school and now I am a proud owner of a bachelor’s degree through your efforts, and I am also enrolling for a master’s degree.”
Hon. Babalanda used her testimony to make a broader political statement: “President Museveni does not tell lies and he is not selfish. I am one of those whom Mzee has groomed. When he appointed me Minister in 2021, many people doubted my abilities. But today, the performance of the Presidency is undisputedly high.”
She added: “I may not be rich, but I am contented with the chance you gave me to serve, and I promise not to disappoint you as the appointing authority. I also pledge the same to the NRM government, to all Ugandans and the people of Busoga.”
In a powerful show of political unity, Hon. Babalanda formally conveyed a resolution made during a sub-regional leaders’ meeting on June 3, 2025, at Jinja City Hall, calling on President Museveni to contest again:
“For Seniority, Continuation of clear-headed leadership, and for the steady transformation of Busoga and the entire country, President Museveni should accept to contest at the forthcoming NRM Delegates Conference as the NRM National Chairman and party Presidential flag bearer (2026–2031).”
Hon. Moses Magogo, MP for Budiope East and NRM Chairperson for Buyende echoed the call, praising Museveni’s leadership and social service programs that have uplifted Busoga. He hailed the President’s signing of the Sugarcane (Amendment) Bill and his efforts to streamline the fishing sector.
“Buyende, Kaliro, and Namutumba topped the region in supporting NRM in the past presidential elections, and we commit to even greater mobilisation in the upcoming elections,” Magogo said.
Also in attendance, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga, the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, thanked the President for reviving Busoga University and signing the Sugarcane Bill into law, saying both were major milestones for education and economic justice in the region.
The colourful event concluded with messages of unity, thanksgiving, and unwavering loyalty to President Museveni, whom the leaders described as the cornerstone of Uganda’s stability and development.