Government has allocated 600 million shillings for the upkeep for cultural leaders in Uganda this financial year.
The Minister of Gender, Labor and Social Development, Syda Bbumba says each of the ten recognized cultural leaders in the country will receive five million shillings from Government every month.
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The recognized cultural leaders who will benefit from this fund are the Kabaka of Buganda, the Emorimor of Teso, the Isebantu of Busoga, the Kamuswaga of Kooki, Rwot Jobi of Alur, Sabaruli of Buruli, Rwot Achana of Acholi, the Omukama of Tooro, the Omukama of Bunyoro and Tien Adhola of the Japadhola.
Buganda Kingdom has declined the officer.
On March 24th his year, the Katikiiro of Buganda, Daniel Muliika, wrote to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Gender saying that Buganda will not take the five million shillings because it is not prudent for the Kabaka to accept any regular remuneration that amounts to a salary. The letter further said that it was against the cultural norms of Buganda for the Kabaka to receive money from government.
However not every cultural leader is dismissive of the offer.
The Emorimor's spokesperson, Source Opak, says Teso will use the money to cater for the Paramount Chief's daily expenses including fuel, payment of his immediate staff and for utilities like water and electricity.
