Bunyoro Premier warns students against drugs, alcohol and HIV

The Prime Minister of the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Andrew Byakutaga, has warned students against drug abuse, alcohol consumption and risky behaviour that could expose them to HIV/AIDS.

Byakutaga made the remarks while meeting students from Uganda Technical College Kyema who had paid a courtesy visit to the kingdom offices under their umbrella body, the Kitara Students’ Association (KISA Kyema).

The student delegation was led by Guild President Angel Musiimenta and included student leaders, members of the association and college staff.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister commended the students for promoting the culture and heritage of Bunyoro-Kitara and encouraged them to remain disciplined and focused on their education.

He also took the students through the history of the kingdom, its governance structure and development priorities, noting that the kingdom’s transformation agenda is guided by a 30-year master plan envisioned by the Omukama, Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I.

Byakutaga said the kingdom is promoting development through programmes such as scholarships, model homestead initiatives and agricultural campaigns focusing on crops like coffee, cocoa and soya beans.

He further encouraged students to embrace technical and vocational education, saying it will play a key role in preparing young people for opportunities expected in sectors such as oil and gas as Uganda moves closer to oil production.

The students, through their leadership, asked the kingdom to support them through scholarships, structured engagement with the kingdom, and assistance in lobbying for employment opportunities, especially in the oil and gas sector.

As part of the visit, the Prime Minister presented the students with the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom flag and a portrait of the Omukama, and the delegation later toured the palace and royal tombs.