Buganda Kingdom loyalists from Buddu, Kyaggwe and Ssese counties, together with the Rotary Club of Kampala Ssese Islands, have joined efforts to raise more than Shs90 million to support health programmes in Ssese.
The total contribution of Shs90,321,250 was officially handed over by the Minister for Youth, Sports and Talent, Robert Sserwanga Ssaalongo, on behalf of Buganda’s Katikkiro.
The funds will go towards supporting health initiatives in the islands at a time when preparations are underway for Ssese to acquire a mobile water-based hospital.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Sserwanga called on residents to make healthcare a priority by focusing on prevention, regular medical examinations and seeking treatment whenever they notice health concerns.
He said that identifying illnesses early gives patients better chances of receiving effective treatment and recovering.
“We encourage everyone to take responsibility for their health. Regular medical check-ups and seeking treatment early are very important because when diseases are detected at an early stage, the chances of recovery increase,” Sserwanga said.
The minister noted that Buganda Kingdom, through the Kabaka Foundation, continues to promote health awareness and encourage communities to improve their wellbeing.
The fundraising event also brought together Buganda leaders, chiefs and supporters who highlighted the importance of working together to improve services for people living in the islands.
The Second Deputy Ssekiboobo, Fred Katende, who was the chief guest at the event, praised chiefs who participated in the Buganda Masaza football tournament.
Katende encouraged the teams and leaders involved in the competition to maintain discipline and uphold good conduct to protect the image of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Ssese County Chief Augustine Kasirye urged residents to reduce dependence on fishing and embrace other economic activities, especially agriculture.
Kasirye said farming can provide an additional source of income for families and help improve the livelihoods of island communities.
“Our people should not depend on fishing alone. They should put more effort into agriculture because it can help them earn additional income, support their families and improve their livelihoods,” he said.
The Shs90 million contribution was collected from different areas, including Buganda’s Buddu, Kyaggwe and Ssese counties, alongside the Rotary Club of Kampala Ssese Islands.
Buddu county led the contributions with support from several areas, including Mumyuka Kalungu, which contributed Shs15 million.
Other Buddu contributors included Musaale Butenga with Shs5 million, Mutuba XIV Malongo with Shs3.87 million, Mutuba XX Bukakkata with Shs8.06 million and Mutuba XIII Kisekka with Shs6.5 million.
Kyaggwe county contributions came from Mutuba II Najjembe with Shs4.19 million, Mutuba VI Kasawo with Shs12.71 million and Mutuba V Nnyenga with Shs4.69 million.
Ssese county contributors included Musaale Bubeke, which gave Shs1.4 million, and Ssaabaddu Mugoye, which contributed Shs1 million.
The initiative highlights continued efforts by Buganda subjects and partners to support healthcare improvement and social development in Ssese Islands.
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