President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Wednesday presided over the 31st Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty Dr. Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I, the Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, at the Karuzika Palace in Hoima City.
In his address, President Museveni congratulated the Banyoro on this significant milestone and praised the Kingdom for its continued contribution to the development of both the Bunyoro region and Uganda as a whole.
The President expressed concern about the Omukama’s health, calling on Ugandans to keep him in their prayers.
Reflecting on the restoration of cultural institutions by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government in 1993, President Museveni noted that the move was intentional, recognizing the crucial role these institutions play in the cultural and socio-economic development of society.
“The government is responsible for legislation, administration, and economic planning, but there are certain responsibilities it cannot fulfill. Cultural institutions, for instance, should take the lead in preserving and promoting indigenous languages, with government support,” he said.
President Museveni emphasized that culture encompasses more than just marriage customs, it includes food, tools, and practices that define a people.
He credited his good health at 80 years old to a traditional diet of cassava, mingled millet, and milk, noting that he avoids foods like bread and rice.
He also cautioned cultural leaders against engaging in partisan politics, urging them to leave electoral matters to the public.
The President outlined four key areas where cultural institutions should focus their efforts: preserving indigenous languages, promoting traditional foods, safeguarding rational customs, and supporting socio-economic transformation. These priorities, he said, were central to the decision to restore cultural institutions in Uganda.
“Cultural institutions must champion indigenous languages, especially since modern governments primarily use English and Kiswahili. If you don’t take on this responsibility, who will teach your people their languages?” he challenged.
President Museveni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the development initiatives of the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Public Service, Hon. Grace Mary Mugasa, congratulated the Kingdom and expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his consistent support to Bunyoro-Kitara.
