President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has challenged Uganda’s cultural institutions to deepen their role in driving grassroots development by aligning their cultural influence with the national agenda for socio-economic transformation.
Speaking during the 31st Empango (coronation) anniversary of the Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, His Royal Highness Gafabusa Solomon Iguru I, Museveni described cultural institutions as vital but complementary players in Uganda’s nation-building efforts.
The President said the government’s decision to restore kingdoms in 1993 was not ceremonial, but a deliberate strategy to tap into their influence over communities, especially in areas of culture, language, local mobilisation, and food sovereignty.
“Restoring kingdoms was never about power competition,” Museveni said. “It was about preserving rational traditions and using them to mobilise people into meaningful economic activity.”
While highlighting the contributions of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Museveni noted that the institution has remained committed to development and unity, and has not interfered in partisan politics—something he said makes it a model of constructive cultural leadership.
He reaffirmed government’s ongoing partnership with the Kingdom and pledged increased support. This includes a Shs50 million contribution to mark the 31st coronation anniversary, and a promise to continue supporting the medical treatment of the Omukama, who is currently unwell.
“I have visited the Omukama. We are closely monitoring his health and will continue to provide the necessary support,” the President said, calling on the public to pray for his recovery.
Museveni also recognized the administrative role being played by the Umugo (Queen) and the various committees during the King’s illness, noting their stewardship as a sign of institutional resilience.
Beyond cultural preservation, Museveni called for kingdoms to actively use their restored assets—including former local government properties—to generate income and complement government efforts in community development.
He warned against attempts by some cultural leaders in other parts of the country to mix tradition with politics, saying it undermines the intent behind the restoration of cultural institutions.
“Let the kingdoms handle what they were restored to do—preserve culture, mobilise people for development, and unite communities. Leave politics to the politicians,” he added.
The President concluded by promising to review and respond to the memorandum submitted by the Muhitirwa (Prime Minister of Bunyoro-Kitara), which outlines the Kingdom’s priority concerns.