President Museveni Urges Cultural Leaders to Uphold Hard Work and Integrity

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Summary:

• President Museveni reminded the gathering that the restoration of cultural institutions by the government allowed them to fully participate in the development of their people.

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TORORO: President Yoweri Museveni has called on cultural leaders across Uganda to uphold the values of hard work and decency among their communities.

He emphasized that leaders should strive to cultivate a generation of integrity to eliminate corruption and promote peaceful living.

“I urge cultural leaders to preserve our culture of hard work and decency, which will propel the nation and Africa to the next level, rather than embracing cultures of shame and prejudice from the Western world,” President Museveni stated.

His remarks were delivered by Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo during the Silver Jubilee Coronation anniversary of His Royal Highness Kwar Adhola Moses Stephen Owor at Achilet Primary School in Tororo District.

The celebrations, held under the theme “Gender Parity: A Prerequisite to Sustainable Peace and Development in a Fast-Changing Environment,” highlighted the progress and achievements of the Padhola cultural institution since its inception under the NRM leadership.

“We appreciate the dedication, focus, and commitment of everyone who has contributed to strengthening the Kingdom. We believe that many victories will be achieved as you continue to work in unity, focusing on bringing about change and development in your communities,” Museveni said.

The President expressed gratitude to God for granting His Royal Highness the wisdom and strength to lead. He praised the Adhola community for their role in the Kingdom’s progress and for maintaining a strong working relationship with the government.

President Museveni reminded the gathering that the restoration of cultural institutions by the government allowed them to fully participate in the development of their people. He reaffirmed the NRM’s commitment to supporting cultural institutions as long as resources permit.

He also highlighted the government’s efforts in poverty eradication through programs like Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Emyooga, and the Parish Development Model (PDM), aimed at uplifting Ugandans by eliminating poverty from households.

“We can no longer tolerate a system where only a few Ugandans participate in the money economy. All Ugandans must be able to earn some money daily, monthly, or even annually if we are to overcome deprivation and poverty,” he said.

The President urged stakeholders in cultural institutions and community leaders to champion the NRM’s message of hard work and self-reliance.

He also commended cultural institutions for their continued support of the NRM and encouraged them to engage in skilling programs for the youth, organized by both leaders and the government.

President Museveni congratulated His Royal Highness Kwar Adhola Moses Stephen Owor on the Silver Jubilee and prayed for his continued health and wisdom to lead effectively.

“I congratulate Your Royal Highness Kwar Adhola Moses Stephen Owor on behalf of myself, the NRM leadership, and the entire nation on celebrating 25 years of leadership since your enthronement,” President Museveni said.

He also extended congratulations to the leaders and the Japadhola people for reaching this milestone in the history of the Padhola cultural institution.

His Royal Highness Kwar Adhola reflected on the 25 years of his reign, noting President Museveni’s guidance, which fostered cordial relations with other cultural institutions and cultivated mutual trust and respect.

He mentioned that this advice has enabled the Padhola cultural institution to recognize its potential, leading to his unanimous election last November as chair of the Council of Traditional Leaders in Africa, Uganda Chapter, for the next three years.

Kwar Adhola further acknowledged the President’s guidance on economic, social, and cultural development, which, in collaboration with relevant government departments, has helped the Tieng Adhola cultural institution create awareness platforms to combat social ills.

The Kingdom has continued to sensitize communities on the importance of tree planting and forest conservation, focusing on climate change and sustainable development, thereby contributing to environmental protection in Tororo.

Kwar Adhola expressed gratitude to President Museveni for appointing members of his community to various government and NRM positions, including ministerial, judicial, and Foreign Service roles.

Dr. Mathew Ochieng Owili, the Deputy Governor of Kisumu County, led a delegation from Kenya and delivered a message of goodwill to their Ugandan counterparts.

“We, the Luo of Kenya, recognize our close working relationship spanning many years and will continue to value that relationship yesterday, today, and in the future,” Owili said.

He thanked the Kingdom for inviting them to participate in the celebrations and emphasized the importance of peace and unity between the two countries.

The event was attended by various dignitaries, including cultural leaders, clergy, and politicians, such as Ministers Oboth Oboth and Hellen Asamo, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, and NRM party electoral chairperson Tanga Odoi.

Todwong congratulated Kwar Adhola on his Silver Jubilee and noted that through cultural institutions, the NRM’s message of wealth creation would reach the family level.