Kibuku, Uganda: State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, has pledged to aggressively back the push to elevate Kadama to municipality status, telling Bugwere students and leaders that formal city designation would unlock development and investment in the area.
Balaam made the commitment on Saturday, January 31, while addressing the Bagwere National Students’ Association (BANSA) leadership handover ceremony held at Kadama Primary School playground, an event that drew hundreds of students, educators and community leaders from across Kibuku District and the wider Bukedi sub-region.
He credited the people of Bugwere for their strong electoral support to Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the recent elections, revealing that Kibuku District delivered 76 per cent of the vote, up from 57 per cent previously.
“The more you give, the more you receive,” Balaam said, linking the improved vote performance to expectations of enhanced service delivery and government attention.
Responding to calls by local leaders, the minister acknowledged Kadama’s current infrastructure limitations but argued that granting municipality status would stimulate growth by attracting investors, construction and businesses such as hotels and commercial centres. He pledged to champion the proposal in Cabinet once formally presented.
On youth welfare, Balaam addressed concerns over school dropouts after Senior Six and the lack of scholarships for vulnerable learners. He urged students and leaders to take advantage of government wealth creation programmes, particularly the Parish Development Model (PDM), under which Kabweri County has received close to Shs15 billion in recent years.
He noted that youth are entitled to 30 per cent of PDM funds—amounting to at least Shs4.5 billion across the county—which can be invested in small enterprises, trading and agriculture. He cautioned young people against drug abuse and poor discipline, warning that these undermine education and productivity.
Kabweri County MP-elect Dr. Patrick Wakida urged students to keep time, remain organised and prioritise education, pledging to lobby for scholarships, improved school infrastructure and poverty alleviation initiatives. He commended BANSA for hosting the event within the community, saying it inspires younger pupils to persist with their studies.
BANSA, founded in 2009, brings together Bagwere students from primary schools to higher institutions nationwide. The association runs programmes including career guidance, medical camps, environmental conservation and cultural galas aimed at motivating learners and strengthening cultural identity.
Newly elected BANSA chairperson Humphrey Mugalya, a Bachelor of Education student at Kyambogo University, pledged to unite Bagwere students, reduce school dropout rates and advocate for greater support to education in Bukedi.
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