MUSEVENI CHALLENGES CULTURAL LEADERS TO SAFEGUARD AFRICAN IDENTITY AND DRIVE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged traditional and cultural leaders across Uganda to strengthen national unity, preserve indigenous knowledge and promote cultural heritage as part of their contribution to the country's socio-economic transformation.

The President made the call today, while addressing Their Majesties and other cultural leaders from across Uganda during the Cultural Leaders Conference held at State House Entebbe.

Umukuuka Wa Bugisu His Royal  Highness Sir Jude Mike Mudoma III(L), his wife (R) and  Bugisu Cultural Institution Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dr Paul Mwambu (M) at State House.

Museveni said Uganda's cultural institutions have an important responsibility to preserve the country's diverse cultural identities while contributing to efforts aimed at building a united, peaceful and prosperous nation.

He noted that indigenous African societies had well-established economic and social systems built around agriculture, livestock keeping, crafts, traditional medicine and other specialised occupations, collectively described as Emyooga. 

According to the President, these traditional occupations provided communities with specialised skills, livelihoods and economic foundations that remain relevant to Uganda's development aspirations.

However, he observed that tribal chauvinism and inadequate integration weakened African societies, limiting their ability to unite and maximise opportunities for collective prosperity.

Museveni said this historical experience informed the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Government's emphasis on patriotism and Pan-Africanism, which he described as important principles for overcoming ethnic divisions and promoting broader economic cooperation.

"You need Uganda and Africa for your prosperity," the President emphasised, urging cultural leaders to encourage their communities to embrace national identity and recognise the importance of integration beyond tribal boundaries.