The 4th Edition of Busoga Prayer Week 2026 was officially launched at the Civil Service College, Jinja, bringing together religious, cultural, political, and development leaders from across the Busoga Sub-region in a renewed call for unity, prayer, and collective action towards the region’s transformation.
The launch marked the official flag-off of preparations for Busoga Prayer Week 2026 which will take place from 21st–27th September 2026 under the theme:”Let Us Rise and Build Busoga” (Nehemiah 2:18).
The week-long programme will culminate in the Main Prayer Gathering on 27th September 2026 at the Mayuge District Headquarters where thousands of people from across Busoga and beyond are expected to gather in prayer for the region.
The 3rd Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Rukia Isanga Nakadama, officially flagged off Busoga Prayer Week 2026 and reaffirmed the Government of Uganda’s commitment to supporting the annual interfaith initiative.
She called upon leaders and communities across Busoga to embrace unity of purpose and use the Prayer Week as a platform to promote peace, development, improved livelihoods, and the realization of Busoga Vision 2030.
Responding to concerns raised by regional leaders regarding delayed infrastructure projects, Rt. Hon. Nakadama explained that some road projects had slowed due to ongoing efforts to eliminate corruption within the responsible ministry.
She assured participants that the Government remains committed to completing the projects and addressing the region’s infrastructure needs.
She further encouraged continued collaboration between government, religious institutions, cultural leaders, and local communities in driving Busoga’s socio-economic transformation.
Religious Leaders Emphasize Education
Speaking during the launch, Rt. Rev. Paul Hannington Suubi, Bishop of the East Busoga Diocese, described education as the cornerstone of Busoga’s transformation.
He urged parents to support learners in government schools particularly through school feeding programmes, emphasizing that “a hungry child cannot learn effectively.”
The Bishop encouraged parents not to be discouraged by criticism surrounding school feeding initiatives but instead view them as an investment in their children’s future.
He noted that Busoga’s aspiration of becoming Uganda’s model leading economy by 2030 depends on nurturing an educated, skilled, disciplined, and empowered generation.
Prayer and Development Must Go Together
Dr. Mula Anthony, Director General of the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD), said the Prayer Week has grown into a strategic platform that combines spiritual renewal with practical development.
Quoting Nehemiah 2:18 — “So they said, ‘Let us rise up and build.’ Then they set their hands to this good work.” — Dr. Mula said the scripture perfectly reflects Busoga’s development agenda.
He explained that the Prayer Week theme aligns with BCD’s five-year strategic goal of transforming Busoga into a middle-income region by 2030 and positioning it as Uganda’s model economy in rural transformation.
According to Dr. Mula, meaningful socio-economic transformation cannot be achieved in isolation.
“It requires the alignment of spiritual guidance, administrative leadership, strategic planning, and active community participation. When our spiritual leaders stand hand in hand with civic leaders, local governments and government leadership, we create an unstoppable force for positive change.”
He said the launch meeting was convened to align leaders across Busoga ahead of the September gathering, mobilize communities, strengthen collaboration between faith communities and government institutions, encourage practical development actions, and prepare every district, sub-county, and parish to participate in Busoga Prayer Week 2026.
*New Leadership to Coordinate Prayer Week*
The meeting adopted several resolutions aimed at strengthening the coordination of Busoga Prayer Week.
Hon. Stephen Kisa Bakubalwayo, Member of Parliament for Luuka South and Chairperson of the Busoga Parliamentary Caucus who presented the key achivements of the past 5 years was appointed Chairperson of the 2026 Busoga Prayer Week Organising Committee.
He pledged his full committement for the success of the prayer week.
The committee will be deputized by Mr. Ziija David, LC V Chairperson of Mayuge District.
In accordance with the rotational leadership framework of the Busoga Inter-Religious Council, the meeting also *resolved that Sheikh Dr. Hussein Bowa will be the lead Preacher* at this year’s regional inter-faith gathering in Mayuge District on 27th September 2027.
Organising Committee Appreciates Government Support.
The Organising Committee expressed appreciation to H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his continued support towards Busoga Prayer Week.
Members acknowledged the President’s previous contribution of UGX 20 million, which greatly supported the successful organization of earlier editions.
The Committee also welcomed Government’s continued investment in infrastructure, particularly the ongoing Luuka Road project, while appealing for the acceleration of the Jinja Express Highway and the long-awaited Jinja–Mbulamuti Road, noting their importance in stimulating trade, improving connectivity, and accelerating economic growth.
Religious leaders were commended for their unwavering support of the initiative, while HRH the Isabalangira of Busoga, was recognized for mobilizing Busoga’s traditional leaders.
Through him, an invitation was extended to His Majesty the Kyabazinga of Busoga to participate in the 2026 Main Prayer Gathering in Mayuge District.
Looking Ahead
As preparations intensify for the September gathering, leaders called upon all people of Busoga, regardless of faith or denomination, to actively participate in Busoga Prayer Week 2026.
The annual programme continues to serve as a platform for prayer, reconciliation, servant leadership, and collective action, reinforcing the belief that the transformation of Busoga requires both spiritual commitment and practical development efforts.
