The Basoga in diaspora have called on their fellow kinsmen to unite and drive the progress of the Busoga sub-region. This call comes as Uganda approaches the 2026 elections.
During the Twegaite International Silver Jubilee Convention 2025 in Minneapolis, leaders emphasized the need for solidarity and reinvestment in Busoga. The event brought together more than 500 attendees and sponsors from the U.S., Uganda, and other parts of the diaspora. It ran under the theme, “Celebrating over 25 Years of Unity, Growth, and Impact in Busoga.”
Minister of Local Government Raphael Magyezi praised the unity on display. He encouraged diaspora members to return home and contribute their skills and ideas to development efforts, especially in Jinja City.
“The togetherness I have witnessed here is powerful,” said Mr. Magyezi. “Please bring back your skills and ideas to Busoga and Uganda.”
He also urged Basoga to support Rebecca Kadaga, the Kamuli Woman MP and First Deputy Prime Minister. He described her as a critical figure in Uganda’s political structure who deserves continued respect.
Since 1998, Twegaite International has run several impactful initiatives. These include girl-child education campaigns, renovation of the Jinja Hospital Cancer Ward, cancer screening drives, and donation of ambulances. The group also launched microfinance and agricultural programs that continue to benefit local communities.
Despite these efforts, Busoga faces stubborn poverty. The Uganda Bureau of Statistics reports that 29.2% of the population lives in poverty, much higher than the national average of 20.3%.
During the event, Rt Hon Kadaga, who serves as the group’s patron, praised the diaspora’s support for local businesses. She noted that sourcing services for the Minnesota convention from businesses in Jinja empowered the local economy.
Twegaite President Victor Lukandwa announced a partnership with Help International to establish ICT hubs in every county in Busoga. These hubs will boost digital literacy, remote job access, and global competitiveness for the region’s youth.
“We’re building a future where Busoga’s youth become job creators,” Mr. Lukandwa said. “It’s time to stop exporting poverty and start exporting talent.”
At the event, Ms. Kadaga met Dr. Rahel Nardos, Director of the Center for Global Health and Social Responsibility at the University of Minnesota. They discussed maternal health issues, particularly obstetric fistula, and the impact of tropical diseases in the region.
They also explored long-term academic collaboration between the University of Minnesota and a reestablished Busoga University. The plan includes strengthening public health, research, and higher education across the region.
In 2017, the National Council for Higher Education shut down Busoga University due to irregularities like unqualified staff and fake degrees. The university operated under the Busoga Diocese at the time.
In 2018, President Museveni pledged that the government would take over the university. Officials later signed a memorandum of understanding to support its reopening.
Mr. Conrad Nviri, a member of the Twegaite Board, gave a historical overview of the organization. He traced its roots to informal meetups in New Jersey in 1998. The first formal convention occurred in Houston in 2008.
“We’re not just reflecting on the past,” Mr. Nviri said. “We’re laying the foundation for Busoga’s future.”
According to the 2024 Uganda census, the Busoga sub-region includes 13 districts such as Jinja, Kamuli, and Mayuge. It is home to 4.3 million people, with 2 million adults aged 18 and above.
Mr. Magyezi closed his speech with a challenge. “Your unity is powerful. Use it to transform Jinja and drive Busoga’s development.”
Read: The Rise of Sugarcane Farming and Persistent Poverty in Busoga
