Minister Babalanda Pays Tribute to Mzee Ndimukika, Urges Fight Against Corruption and Embrace Wealth Creation Programs

JINJA — The Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, yesterday officiated at the funeral of Mzee Erizephan Ndimukika in Buwagi, Budondo, Jinja District.

Mzee Ndimukika was the father of the former Archbishop of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Uganda, Pastor Dr. Moses Ndimukika Maka. Delivering condolences on behalf of government, Hon. Babalanda conveyed greetings from H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the First Lady Mama Janet Kataha Museveni, and the entire Office of the President.

“I commiserated with the bereaved family for the passing of the late and also expressed gratitude to the Almighty God for the life well lived — a life of service, wisdom, and love that touched so many,” she said.

The Minister paid tribute to Mzee Ndimukika’s legacy of hard work and diligence. She noted that the late was recognized as one of the model farmers in Jinja District and was at one time visited by H.E. the President in his home.“I urged the public to emulate him by working hard using the available resources and government programmes like Emyooga, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), the Parish Development Model (PDM), and the 4-acre model concept to fight poverty,” she said.

Hon. Babalanda used the occasion to make a strong appeal against corruption, describing it as a vice that undermines national development.“Corruption steals from our schools, our hospitals, our roads, and the future of our children. It robs the poor, slows development, and undermines the values of hard work and integrity we stand for as a nation,” she said.

She called on citizens to “say no to corruption in your office and in your community. Let us report it, refuse it, and reject those who practise it.”

The Minister added that government has put systems in place — PDM, Emyooga, OWC, and e-services — “to take services closer to you without middlemen. Use them and demand accountability.”

“Together, with unity and vigilance, we can build a Uganda that is self-reliant, prosperous, and free from corruption,” she concluded.

Hon. Babalanda prayed that “the Almighty grant his soul eternal peace and comfort the family during this difficult time.”

The funeral was attended by family members, SDA church leaders, government officials, and residents of Budondo.