Government Launches Traditional Leaders Enhancement Programme: Vice President Alupo Hands Over Official Vehicles to Boost Grassroots Mobilisation

The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, has officially launched the Enhancement Programme for Traditional Leaders under the theme: “Repositioning Cultural Institutions for Community Mobilisation and Socio-Economic Transformation.” The colourful event took place at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds and was graced by H.E. Jessica Alupo, the Vice President of Uganda, who officiated as Chief Guest on behalf of H.E. the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

The programme is a bold step in reaffirming government’s commitment to strengthen and empower cultural institutions as key stakeholders in mobilising communities for national development. The launch was marked by the symbolic handover of official vehicles to various traditional leaders to facilitate grassroots mobilisation and administrative duties.

Among the cultural leaders who received the government’s support is His Highness Sir Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukuuka Wa Bugisu cultural institution. His Highness was presented with a brand-new SUV wagon designated for his official movements and a customized double cabin pick-up assigned for his security detail. The vehicles symbolize the government’s recognition of traditional leaders as integral partners in enhancing service delivery, promoting peace and unity, and catalyzing socio-economic transformation at the grassroots level.

Speaking during the ceremony, Vice President Alupo lauded the role of cultural institutions in preserving heritage, promoting social cohesion, and advancing the development agenda. “Traditional leaders hold a revered place in our society. This programme is designed to retool and reposition their institutions so they can effectively participate in the mobilisation of our people towards meaningful transformation,” she said.

Alupo emphasized that the government values the strategic influence traditional leaders have over their communities and encouraged them to use the resources provided responsibly, transparently, and in alignment with the broader goals of the Parish Development Model, youth skilling, mindset change, and household income improvement.

Hon. Betty Amongi, the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, explained that the Enhancement Programme aligns with the National Development Plan (NDP III), particularly under the governance and security programme. She noted that the ministry is committed to continuous engagement with traditional institutions and has developed a framework to support their involvement in national development initiatives.

His Highness Umukuuka Mudoma expressed gratitude to the government for the gesture and pledged to use the vehicles to intensify community mobilisation in Bugisu sub-region. “This is a historic day for the people of Bugisu. These vehicles will enable us to reach deeper into our communities, spread messages of unity, development, and culture, and actively support government programmes at the grassroots,” he stated.

The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries including Ministers, Members of Parliament, representatives of various cultural institutions, and religious leaders. Other traditional leaders from different regions of Uganda also received vehicles as part of the roll-out phase of the programme.

The Enhancement Programme for Traditional Leaders is designed to:

Improve logistical and administrative support for cultural leaders.

Promote inclusive participation of cultural institutions in national programmes.

Foster cultural preservation alongside modern development efforts.

Boost community mobilisation for health, education, and livelihood programmes.

As Uganda continues on its journey toward socio-economic transformation, the government’s collaboration with traditional leaders demonstrates a holistic approach that values heritage while embracing modernity. The handover of official vehicles signifies not just mobility, but a deeper movement toward unity, progress, and inclusive development across the country.