Busoga leaders have used the annual prayer week to call for greater unity among political, religious and cultural leaders, saying divisions have weakened the sub-region’s ability to pursue its development interests. The prayer week, organised by the Busoga Consortium for Development, was launched on September 21, 2026, with clerics from different faiths under the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda leading prayers on different days.
Each prayer session has also brought together senior leaders from the sub-region, who have used the gatherings to link unity and collective action to development in education, health, tourism, mineral exploration and agriculture.
First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, who is regarded as one of the most senior political leaders from Busoga, told congregants at the launch that leaders and residents must set aside their differences for the good of the sub-region.
Kadaga said persistent disagreements among leaders have frustrated productive engagement and, over time, undermined Busoga’s ability to realise its development potential. On September 22, Busoga Kingdom Prime Minister Joseph Muvawala made a similar appeal during the Anglican prayer session at Christ’s Cathedral in Bugembe.
Muvawala challenged leaders to practise the unity they preach, saying their conduct would influence members of the public. He said unity of purpose would help transform Busoga into a productive economic hub because leaders would be able to prioritise long-term development over personal and political disagreements.
On September 23, Minister of Information and National Guidance Kasule Lumumba told worshippers at St. Fatima Catholic Church in Jinja that leaders working together in harmony demonstrates commitment to serving God and the community. Lumumba said prayer can provide a foundation for unity, but that leaders must use that unity to advance the development of the sub-region.
On September 24, Luuka South MP and Chairperson of the Busoga Parliamentary Caucus Steven Kiisa said cooperation among leaders had already helped the region lobby jointly for major projects. He cited the government takeover of Busoga University as an example, saying leaders agreed to pursue the matter collectively rather than compete for public recognition.
Kiisa said continued prayer and fasting could help strengthen the bonds needed to overcome divisions within the sub-region. The unity message was also echoed by Third Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Nakadama during prayers at Jamia Mosque in Mayuge District.
Nakadama encouraged residents to pray for one another, saying such practices can help strengthen bonds among communities. She said this year’s prayer week will climax in Mayuge on September 27, where President Yoweri Museveni is expected to attend as chief guest.
Nakadama said the event would provide an opportunity for leaders across Busoga to renew their commitment to working together for future generations. However, the prayer week has also attracted criticism from some members of the public who question whether the annual event is translating into practical action.
Joel Kafuko, a community elder, said the unity being preached during the prayer week is difficult for ordinary people to embrace when divisions among leaders remain unresolved. He said disagreements among Busoga leaders have persisted for decades and have weakened the region’s ability to jointly lobby government and private investors for development projects.
According to Kafuko, prolonged infighting has also reduced Busoga’s bargaining power because leaders spend considerable time trading accusations instead of pursuing common interests. Melida Namukose, a businesswoman in Mayuge District, said prayer is important but should be accompanied by practical measures to improve household incomes.
Namukose said the organisers should use the prayer week to promote income-generating opportunities that can help communities move beyond poverty. She said such measures would allow residents not only to pray for economic transformation but also to put their faith into practice through productive activities-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
