President Yoweri Museveni has urged cultural leaders to avoid engaging in politics but promote ugandas culture values to instill good society discipline.
Uganda has several cultural leaders, known as traditional leaders, representing various kingdoms and cultural institutions. These leaders, including kings and chiefs, play significant roles in preserving cultural heritage and traditions.
“The Government is responsible for legislation, administration, and economic planning, but there are things that modern governments cannot do. Cultural institutions, for example, should take the lead in preserving and promoting indigenous languages, with support from the government,” he explained.
Reflecting on the restoration of cultural institutions by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government in 1993, President Museveni said the decision was deliberate because of the important role kingdoms play in the cultural and socio-economic development of society.
Museveni emphasized that culture encompasses more than just customs surrounding marriage; it includes food and tools that define people.
He further cautioned cultural leaders against involvement in partisan politics, urging them instead to leave electoral processes to the people.
President Museveni identified four key areas where cultural institutions should focus: the preservation of indigenous languages, promotion of traditional foods, safeguarding rational customs, and supporting socio-economic transformation.
“Cultural institutions must focus on preserving indigenous languages because modern governments mostly use English and Kiswahili. If you don’t take it up, who will teach your people their languages?” he challenged.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom in its development efforts.
The Minister of State for Public Service, Hon. Grace Mary Mugasa also congratulated the Kingdom and thanked President Museveni for his continued support to Bunyoro-Kitara.
He made the remarks while officiating at the 31st Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty Dr. Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I, the Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, at Karuzika Palace in Hoima City,
President Museveni congratulated Banyoro upon reaching this significant milestone and commended the Kingdom for its role in the development of both Bunyoro region and Uganda at large.