Busoga Queen Jovia Mutesi, also known as Inhebantu, is set to commence her official royal duties on December 2. She will be making her second public appearance following her recent wedding to King William Gabula Nadiope IV on November 18. The Busoga youth retreat, called 'Ekigangu kya Busoga,' will be the first event that Queen Jovia will attend in her new role. The retreat will take place at Rena College in her hometown of Mayuge from December 2 to 10.
According to Andrew Ntange, the spokesperson for Busoga Kingdom, Queen Jovia will be accompanied by King William as she begins to fulfill her responsibilities. Ntange emphasized the significance of the queen's presence at the retreat, stating that she will serve as an example to the children and help impart Busoga culture to them. This opportunity for children to be guided by a queen is a rare occurrence in Busoga, and it is hoped that her involvement will positively shape their beliefs, conduct, and identity as Basoga.
Ntange further explained that the queen's participation in such activities will contribute to the reduction of early marriage cases, which are prevalent in the Busoga Sub-region. The retreat aims to raise awareness of cultural values, provide vocational training, identify talent, and engage in domestic tasks such as cooking traditional meals.
Under the theme "Using culture to end early marriages and keep children in schools," the retreat targets children aged 9 to 18. This is the eighth edition of the retreat, which was initiated in 2016 to nurture the younger generation by instilling discipline, leadership skills, and cultural norms. Previously, the retreat was held at Victoria High School in Iganga District.
Joyce Abaliwano, the minister for gender, women, and children's affairs in Busoga Kingdom, emphasized the importance of empowering both boys and girls. She called on parents to ensure the participation of their children in the retreat, as it plays a crucial role in shaping their development.
In 2020, the Busoga Kingdom launched a five-year strategic plan during the retreat, emphasizing the use of culture to address early marriages and promote girls' education. Furthermore, in December 2021, Plan International Uganda partnered with the Busoga Kingdom to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at addressing the rights violations of children, adolescents, and youth.
The involvement of Queen Jovia Mutesi in the Busoga youth retreat marks a significant step in preserving Busoga culture and empowering the younger generation through cultural awareness and values. Her presence as a queen will inspire and guide the children, helping to shape their future and promote positive social change within the Busoga community.
0 Comments