Government Donates Vehicles to Cultural Leaders, Pledges Support for Heritage

President Yoweri Museveni’s decision to restore monarchies in Uganda was aimed at honouring the efforts of the country’s ancestors in establishing centralised administrations that united diverse clans into stable kingdoms and chiefdoms. This unity, according to the President, helped minimise conflicts and strengthen cooperation.

The message was delivered by Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo on Wednesday during a ceremony at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala, where government officially handed over new vehicles to cultural leaders from across the country. The event was organised by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.

According to Gender Minister Hon. Betty Amongi, all 16 recognised cultural institutions received vehicles, in addition to the monthly allowance of UGX 6 million that government has been providing over the years. However, she clarified that Buganda Kingdom did not receive a vehicle on the day of the ceremony due to its cultural customs and norms.

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In a speech read on his behalf by the Vice President, President Museveni noted that the Buganda Kingdom had successfully united 52 clans which, if left fragmented, could have clashed with one another.

“This foresight in forming larger political units is what the NRA sought to recognise—because there is strength in numbers. It is the same reason we support Uganda’s unity, and the integration of East Africa and Africa for strategic security and prosperity,” the President said.

He added that regional integration is not a new concept, citing pre-colonial dynasties such as the Batembuzi and Bacwezi, whose influence spanned areas of present-day Bunyoro, Buganda, Ankole, Toro, and Busoga. These shared histories, he said, explain why many cultural practices remain similar across regions.

“Our ancestors were the first integrationists. Their efforts must continue, to immunise Africa against the weakness caused by fragmentation,” he said. “Cultural institutions were restored for their vital role in preserving our rich languages and traditions. I have often demonstrated that our African dialects are more nuanced and expressive than European languages. This heritage must be protected—and that responsibility lies with you, our cultural leaders.”

President Museveni also reiterated his government’s commitment to promoting cultural tourism through the preservation of sites of historical and cultural significance. He thanked cultural leaders for safeguarding royal burial grounds, palaces, and other heritage sites.

“The NRM government recognises cultural institutions as partners in mobilising our people for peace, unity, and socio-economic transformation. We appreciate those who have contributed to education, health, household income, and community development,” the President added.

He said the newly provided vehicles would ease the cultural leaders’ efforts to reach and mobilise communities across their kingdoms. He also urged them to encourage their subjects to embrace government wealth creation initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.

“Economically empowered citizens can greatly contribute to the growth of their communities and kingdoms,” he said.

Vice President Alupo concluded by rallying cultural leaders to support President Museveni in the upcoming 2026 general elections.

“I don’t know whether it’s divine timing that this handover is happening today,” she said. “But I feel compelled to ask you—our esteemed cultural leaders—as you go about your duties with these brand-new vehicles, to gently remind your subjects that 2026 is near, and His Excellency the President is still on the ballot. Let us continue to benefit from these inclusive, nationwide programmes.”

She further urged the Ministry of Gender to work with the Ministry of Tourism to gazette and mark more cultural sites across the country with monuments, to preserve them for future generations.