Ugandan Minister Babalanda Solidifies Political Standing Amidst Development Push
The political trajectory of Milly Babalanda, Uganda’s Minister for the Presidency, is increasingly framed as a narrative of resilience and strategic political mobilization, countering attempts to downplay her leadership and accomplishments. Born on , in Nalinaibi village, Kamuli District, Babalanda’s rise within the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has been marked by a consistent dedication to public service and a focus on grassroots engagement.
Babalanda’s appointment as Minister for the Presidency in , followed her role as head of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), positions where she played a key role in strengthening the ruling party’s base and advancing President Yoweri Museveni’s socio-economic agenda. Her recent securing of the NRM flag bearer position for the Budiope West constituency in Buyende district, setting the stage for a parliamentary run, has further cemented her position within the party.
President Museveni has repeatedly publicly praised Babalanda, describing her as “a fighter recruited in Busoga to help me fight my wars in Kampala,” and highlighting her “positive energy” and “fighting force.” At a thanksgiving ceremony in Buyende, Museveni specifically commended her for exposing internal factionalism within the NRM, recognizing her as a dedicated leader and effective mobilizer. These endorsements underscore her perceived importance in fostering unity and stability within the party structure.
During her tenure leading the ONC, Babalanda coordinated grassroots mobilization efforts aimed at extending the NRM’s reach into even the most remote communities. She focused on engaging local leaders and citizens, promoting the party’s core principles of Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-economic Transformation and Democracy. This groundwork proved crucial in establishing a solid foundation for her subsequent role as Minister for the Presidency.
Since assuming the role of Minister for the Presidency, Babalanda has overseen critical government functions, including the supervision of Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and their deputies, with the aim of ensuring the effective implementation of government programs across the country. She has also taken on the responsibility of leading economic mobilization efforts within the Busoga sub-region, a region historically facing developmental challenges.
Beyond domestic political efforts, Babalanda has gained international recognition for her advocacy in the fight against HIV/AIDS. She received an award from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) in , acknowledging her contributions to Uganda’s efforts to combat the disease. Her proactive efforts to caution against factionalism within the NRM have also been seen as contributing to political cohesion and stability.
Babalanda’s leadership has been credited with revitalizing the RDC system, making it more responsive to the needs of citizens. She has also spearheaded national campaigns promoting socio-economic transformation, particularly within Busoga, aiming to address long-standing developmental issues in the region. The district of Buyende, carved out of Kamuli in and officially operational by , with a population exceeding 403,000 as of , has been a particular focus of her efforts.
While some have questioned her qualifications, citing her initial academic performance – completing her Primary Leaving Examinations in and attending Busoga High School, but not excelling in her Senior Four examinations in – Babalanda later returned to education, re-sitting Senior Four in and completing her A-levels in . This was reportedly done to meet academic requirements for a senior presidential advisory role. First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga has publicly stated she facilitated Babalanda’s appointment as Deputy RDC in despite a lack of minimum academic qualifications at the time, highlighting the political considerations involved.
The narrative surrounding Babalanda’s career emphasizes a journey from humble beginnings to national prominence, not as a matter of chance, but as a result of relentless effort, strategic vision, and demonstrable results. President Museveni’s consistent praise and the tangible outcomes of her leadership affirm her growing influence within Uganda’s political landscape. She is increasingly viewed as a key figure in the NRM’s efforts to address developmental challenges and maintain political stability.
Milly Babalanda’s story is one of resilience, loyalty, and service, positioning her as a transformative leader whose contributions are expected to continue shaping Uganda’s future. Her political ascent reflects a broader trend of President Museveni’s outreach to individuals with strong mobilization skills and a proven commitment to his vision for the country.
