MBALE: President Yoweri Museveni has cautioned youth in Bugisu region against indulging in reckless sex and over consumption of alcohol.
Speaking as the guest of honour during the first Bamasaba Cultural festival, which took place at Malukhu playground in Mbale Town, on Saturday, the President said such behaviours affect one’s life span and productivity.
“Alcohol and prostitution will interfere with your life and productivity. I know Bagisu boys like drinking but they should stop for the good of their future,” he said.
The President said the cultural institutions should mobilise and sensitise their subjects on social and economic empowerment.
“Your role is to sensitise and advice our people so that they can navigate through life. Life is not easy because they can end up with bad results,” he said.
He also appealed to cultural leaders to work for peace, stability and harmony in their communities, adding that investors will not invest in their jurisdictions if the environment is uncondusive.
“Work for peace in your areas to ensure there is no war, crime and conflict and also avoid endless court cases,” he said.
On infrastructure development, Mr Museveni said the NRM government has rehabilitated the four major roads in the region, which include Mbale-Tororo- Soroti, Mbale- Lwakhakha, Mbale- Tirinyi and Mbale- Kapchorwa road.
“Those roads have been worked on or are still under construction and the remaining two shorts roads, Sironko- Nalugungu and Mbale- Budadiri, will also be worked on,” he said.
He added that government is establishing the industrial park in order to fight unemployment.
The Umukukha, Mr Bob Mushikori, thanked the government for restoration of cultural institutions but pleaded for more funding.
“We are deeply involved in social and economic development but at times we are handicapped because of financial constraints,” he said.
Mr Mushikori said the institution is intending to establish an education resources centre that will house a library, a vocational centre, museum, auditorium and a health facility.
Mr David Woniala, the minister of Diaspora in Inzu Ya Masaba, said the festival, which hosted annually, was aimed at showcase Bamasabasa culture, art and history.
The festival was organized by Inzu Ya Masaba in partnership North American Masaba Cultural Association, (NAMCA) to foster unity and development in Bugisu region.
