The Minister for Presidency, Milly Babalanda has narrated her story and how President Museveni identified her, nurtured her and later appointed her minister, five years ago.
Speaking during her thanksgiving ceremony at Iringa Township Primary School, Buyende District on Saturday, Babalanda said because of her character and resilience in mobilization, she was given an opportunity by the president to engage in mobilization activities both in Busoga and other parts of Uganda.
“For Busoga area, I thank the Rebecca Kadaga who trusted and engaged me in her political mobilization. Through political engagements and mobilization; I got a chance to meet with the president who identified me from the many cadres because of my special appeal and commitment and the love I had for my country,” she noted.
“He directed me to come up with a proposal to mobilize the lower earners under the umbrella of Busoga Rural development Association – BRUDA where some good work was done.”
From there, Babalanda said she was appointed deputy RDC Busia where she served a very short time and in 2015 the president put her in his mobilization office at Mbuya (the office of the NRM National Chairman) where she deputized Molly Kamukama, the former PPS to the president.
She said that on May 8, 2016, the president invited her for a meeting at Rwakitura where he informed her that he was planning to appoint her cabinet minister in a powerful docket.
She disclosed that in their conversation; they discussed her educational background where the President advised her to return to school but made a promise to keep her Ministerial position until she completed her studies.
“I went back to school not because I did not qualify for the job at that time, but it was due to the mistake I made after my ‘O’ levels; of joining an institution that was not affiliated to the UBTEB. Actually, it was as a result of this conversation that we realized this mistake. This is indeed an eye opener to many parents who are not keen at the choice of the schools they make for their children. Some schools are not fully registered or affiliated to government bodies.
“As a committed and focused person, I did not feel sad or dejected, I took Mzee’s advice in good faith and being a parent, he appointed me to be his Personal Assistant in his office and at the same time Senior Presidential Advisor during this time while I returned to school. It was quite a challenging office for a new person like me but through God’s grace, together we delivered Mzee’s victory. Mzee, I did not disappoint you. I went back to school and now I am a proud owner of a bachelor’s degree through your efforts and yet I am also enrolling for a master’s degree.”
Babalanda said she was prompted to share this testimony to show everyone that President Museveni does not tell lies and he is not selfish.
“I am one of those whom Mzee has groomed. When he appointed me Minister in 2021 many people doubted my ability and competencies. However, to those I have worked with and those following the Presidency in the last 5 years, I think there are many reforms registered. Indeed, the performance of the presidency is undisputedly high,” she said.
“I thank God that in the many scandals that have been registered in the country, where even intellectuals have been victims, your daughter Babalanda does not feature anywhere. I may not be rich, but I am contented with the chance you gave me to serve, and I promise not to disappoint you as the appointing authority. I also pledge the same to the NRM government, to all the Ugandans and the people of Busoga.”
President Museveni commended Babalanda for being a good leader who selflessly works for Ugandans.
“I’m very happy to be here to thank God for the life of my daughter, Babirye Milly Babalanda. Babirye has been a good leader and mobilizer of the NRM. I found her here in Busoga with the women’s group; that’s how I got to know her,” President Museveni said.
He also thanked God for the minister’s life after surviving the deadly Covid-19 in 2021.
“I’m very happy to be here to thank God for the life of my daughter Milly Babalanda. You heard that her life was in danger in the time of Corona. She got infected when she had just been appointed minister, but God still protected her, many people died of Covid-19, so we thank God for Milly Babalanda.”
