JINJA — The Minister for the Presidency and Member of Parliament for Budiope West Constituency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, yesterday officiated the celebrations marking 25 years of priesthood for Rev. Father Anthony Musana at Wansimba Parish Pastoral Council, Namagera Town Council, Jinja District.
The celebrations were held under the theme: “The Favours of the Lord I will recall” (Isaiah 63:7).
Speaking to the congregation, Minister Babalanda conveyed greetings from H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, First Lady and Minister for Education and Sports, Mama Janet Kataha Museveni, and the entire staff of the Office of the President.
She expressed gratitude to the family of Rev. Fr. Musana for nurturing him in faith, quoting Proverbs 22:6: _“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
The Minister commended Fr. Musana for dedicating his life to serving God and for guiding the public toward good morals.
“A nation with both good religious and political leaders has its people guided in the right direction, and this leads to peaceful communities,” she said. “While their roles are different, their purpose converges on one goal: service to the people and stewardship of the nation.”
Minister Babalanda noted that God-fearing citizens speak truth, reject corruption, and promote honesty in homes, schools, markets, and workplaces. She added that faith teaches forgiveness, tolerance, and love, and that religious communities often provide space for dialogue, reconciliation, and healing during times of political or tribal tension.She urged religious leaders to intensify preaching the Word of God to help the country confront challenges such as corruption, which she said has caused some government workers to lose public trust and has hindered service delivery at the grassroots.
“A strong nation needs both moral citizens and responsible leaders working as partners to influence equitable service delivery and transform the economy,” she said.
The Minister appealed to the public to adopt the Four-Acre Model concept to eradicate poverty at the household level and improve incomes. She also encouraged citizens to take advantage of government programs such as Emyooga, the Parish Development Model – PDM, and GROW.
As the country enters the final phase of the ongoing Local Council elections, Minister Babalanda called on wanainchi to stand firm and support NRM flag bearers.
“The leadership of the Local Council is the cornerstone of service delivery. It is where PDM beneficiaries are endorsed and monitored, and security begins at village level,” she said.
“NRM flag bearers understand President Museveni’s vision for wealth creation including PDM, Emyooga, roads, electricity, health and security. They will put it into action and immediately report performance to the appropriate channels.”
She called upon leaders in the Busoga sub-region to work together to combat poverty and ensure government programs benefit every household.
Rev. Fr. Anthony Musana applauded Minister Babalanda for honouring his invitation as the Chief guest as he marks 25 years in service to preach the word of God .
He commended her for being a good Mobilizer, royal, dedicated and patriotic cadre of the NRM party.
The event was attended by Justice Batema Ndikabona, Registrar of the high court, Hon. Kintu, Deputy clerk to Parliament, Mr. Waiswa, Hon. Peace Tibyaze, Woman member for Jinja District, Hon. Muyonjo Hussein, MP Jinja Northern Division, Hon. Walyomu Moses, Hon. Namatovu Masitula, MP Kamuli Municipality, Amb. Mubiru Stephen, Rev. Fr. Mwase, several local leaders, residents from across Busoga Region and beyond.
