A significant milestone in Busoga’s development journey took place on 22 October 2026, when His Majesty the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, officially launched the Busoga Regional Multi-Sectoral Partnerships and Accountability Framework (2026–2030) at Igenge Royal Palace in Jinja City.
The framework provides a shared platform for the Government, the Busoga Kingdom, development partners, including UNFPA and ACORD Uganda and other stakeholders to address key challenges across the region. Its priority areas are Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), HIV, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), teenage pregnancy, education, food insecurity and poverty.
Representatives from Busoga’s 12 Local Governments, the Busoga Kingdom and development partners formally endorsed the framework and committed to supporting its implementation in the presence of the Kyabazinga.
Speaking at the event, UNFPA Country Representative and Programme Coordinator for Gender and Youth, Laura Lafuente, congratulated the Busoga Kingdom and the Kyabazinga Initiative on progress in advancing the multisectoral agenda. She described the framework as an important step towards addressing regional challenges through coordinated interventions and reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to provide technical and financial assistance.
UNFPA highlighted priority support areas: integrating the framework into District Development Plans and budgets, strengthening clinical and referral pathways for GBV survivors, improving SRHR and HIV prevention and response services and enhancing data systems and joint monitoring. Lafuente also emphasised investment in young people’s economic opportunities so they can contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s development.
TURNING COMMITMENTS INTO ACTION
The launch emphasised the need to move beyond endorsement and deliver practical, measurable results. UNFPA called on the 12 Local Governments to integrate the framework into local ordinances, development plans, annual work plans and budgets. Law enforcement agencies were urged to hold perpetrators of violence and abuse against girls accountable and ensure survivors can access justice.
Civil Society Organisations, the media and religious leaders were encouraged to raise awareness, challenge harmful social norms and mobilise communities. Young people were urged to speak out, take initiative and create opportunities for themselves while making use of support from Government, the Busoga Kingdom and development partners.
The launch marks an important step towards stronger coordination, shared responsibility and accountability across Busoga. With the framework endorsed, the focus now turns to collective action and translating commitments into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
