President Yoweri Museveni has urged cultural institutions to remain focused on their core mandate of preserving indigenous languages and promoting traditional norms, cautioning them against engaging in partisan politics.
Presiding over the 31st coronation anniversary of Omukama Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom on Wednesday in Hoima City, President Museveni emphasized that the government restored cultural institutions to foster cultural heritage, harmony, peace, and to mobilize citizens for socio-economic transformation.
The President acknowledged the pivotal role kingdoms play in uniting clans across Uganda. He noted that the government recognized both the strengths and limitations of these institutions when it reinstated them.
“In the past, there was one major kingdom of the Bachwezi dynasty that succeeded in uniting a large portion of the country. When it collapsed, smaller kingdoms emerged and continued the work of uniting clans,” Museveni explained.
He stressed the importance of safeguarding indigenous languages, which are at risk due to the dominance of English and, to a lesser extent, Swahili in official communication.
“Who looks after the indigenous languages? Governments mostly operate in English. Without dedicated custodians, these languages risk extinction. Kingdoms must take on this responsibility,” he said.
Museveni reiterated his warning to cultural institutions to avoid political involvement, asserting that their role is not to engage in political mobilization but to encourage peace and unity.
“I supported the restoration of cultural institutions for cultural preservation and peace—not to serve as a platform for political campaigns. Let the people elect their leaders freely,” he said.
He encouraged cultural institutions to utilize returned assets such as former sub-county administrative units to generate income and supplement government support.
The President also called on the institutions to discourage exogamous and endogamous marriages, arguing that they contradict African traditions and may contribute to the production of “weaker people.”
Museveni further advocated for the promotion of traditional foods and local diets.
“At 80, I’m still strong. Of course, I thank God, but also my diet plays a role. I don’t eat bread because I’m not European. I don’t eat rice because I’m not Indian. I eat kalo, cassava, matooke, and milk from our local cows,” he said.
He added that cultural institutions must lead efforts in mobilizing citizens for wealth creation and economic development.
Museveni praised the cordial relationship between his government and the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, stating that he has never had any conflict with it.
Bunyoro Kitara Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaga appealed to the President to address the issue of attacks on Ugandan fishermen on Lake Albert by suspected militiamen from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He reported that Ugandan fishermen have been killed, robbed, and had their fishing gear confiscated by Congolese forces.
Byakutaga highlighted that since 2017, Omukama Iguru has implemented reforms that have made the kingdom more vibrant and effective. He pointed to the establishment of functional structures, policies, and programs aimed at bringing services closer to the people.
He also said that the discovery of oil and gas in the region has fueled development and called on residents to strategically position themselves to benefit from the sector.
The Prime Minister mentioned ongoing initiatives such as the promotion of the “Eka Ekwesimisa” model, which aims to ensure every household is self-sustaining.
He also noted the establishment of coffee demonstration gardens in Kikuube and Kiryandongo districts and appealed for government support in the form of tractors.
Byakutaga urged the government to invest more in tourism promotion as a means to boost household incomes in the Bunyoro sub-region.
The coronation anniversary, known as Empango, is celebrated annually on June 11th to mark the ascension of Omukama Iguru to the throne in 1994 following the restoration of cultural institutions by the NRM government.
The event draws thousands of subjects to the royal palace, Karuzika, and features rich cultural displays including traditional dances, drama, and poetry.
Omukama Iguru is the 27th king under the Ababiito clan. The Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom spans the districts of Hoima, Hoima City, Buliisa, Kikuube, Masindi, Kakumiro, Kiryandongo, and Kibaale.
This year’s celebration attracted dignitaries from religious, government, and cultural institutions, both local and international.
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