Busoga Kingdom and the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the Kyabazinga Initiative and expand child-focused development programmes across the sub-region.
The agreement centers on protecting the welfare of the region’s 2.27 million children. The MoU focuses on key priorities areas that include; ending child marriage and reducing high rates of teenage pregnancy.
The cultural insitutuion will also work to curb school dropouts, especially among young girls and promote positive cultural norms and improving health education access.
Young mothers will also be encouraged to return to or continue with their education.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Kyabazinga of Busoga , His Majesty William Gabula Nadiope IV, alongside other leaders in the Kingdom who include Prime Minister Dr. Joseph Muvawala.
At the event attended by Dr. Robin Nandy, the UNICEF Representative and Head of Office in Uganda,,Kyabazinga Gabula ,said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to transforming the lives of children and creating a better future for Busoga and Uganda.
He said the MoU was linked to his role as a UN national Goodwill Ambassador and Male Engagement Champion in ending child pregnancies , as well as his engagement with children during his time at Yale University in 2025.
Kabula said that feedback from more than 200,000 learners and consultations with stakeholders revealed key challenges affecting children ,including school dropouts , teenage pregnancies and child marriages.
“ Among our key outputs were ensuring that children are in school at least up to the age of 18 yeaars so that they are mentored , responsible and well-groomed into skilled , empowered and thriving leaders of tomorrow,” he added.
Unicef’s Dr Robin Nandy and Busoga Kingdom Deputy Prime Minister Osman Ahmed Noor, display copies of the MoU
Through the Kingdom’s structures such as royal council, cabinet, clan leaders and chiefs, the Kyabazinga said that communities will be mobilized for positive mind set change .
Dr. Robin Nandy said the agreement was a commitment to every child in Busoga –noting that all children have a right to survive , thrive and achieve their full potential.
Nandy said UNICEF is focused on improving child health and nutrition through immunization and information sharing , promotion of quality education with emphasis on girls and early childhood development , protecting children from violence and harmful practice, and creating platforms for children to advocate for their rights.
He quoted a lusoga saying “Omwana takuzibwa mulala”- meaning that a child does not grow up in one home alone , the UNICEF boss said raising Uganda’s children was a collective responsibility.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Busoga , Osman Ahmed Noor said the MoU will help children’s voices to be heard , their dreams met and their future nurtured.
“ We were not merely seeking for support. We were looking for a strategic partner with technical expertise and shared values and we found one in UNICEF,” he said.
