MUSEVENI PLEDGES GOVERNMENT SUPPORT TO CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS, CALLS FOR PRESERVATION OF USEFUL TRADITIONS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged Government support for proposals presented by cultural leaders during a two-day conference, emphasising the need to strengthen collaboration between traditional institutions and public research agencies while preserving Uganda’s cultural heritage.

The President said Government was ready to support initiatives aimed at promoting research, preserving indigenous knowledge and strengthening the contribution of cultural institutions to national development.

In his remarks following the discussions, Museveni thanked cultural leaders for what he described as fruitful engagements over the two days, assuring them that their proposals would receive Government attention and support.

He cited the possibility of using existing Government research institutions, including Kawanda, Namulonge and Serere, to support research initiatives undertaken by cultural institutions.

According to the President, collaboration with these established research facilities would help cultural institutions strengthen their research capacity while avoiding unnecessary duplication of resources through the creation of separate research centres.

Museveni observed that Government institutions already possess research infrastructure and expertise that could be harnessed to advance the objectives of cultural institutions, particularly in areas where indigenous knowledge and scientific research can complement each other.

The proposed collaboration is expected to provide an opportunity for traditional institutions to document, develop and promote useful indigenous knowledge while benefiting from the technical capacity of established public research organisations.

Preserve culture while rejecting harmful practices

The President also called for deliberate efforts to preserve Uganda's indigenous languages, cultures and beneficial traditional practices, warning against cultural practices that undermine individual rights and dignity.

He stressed that cultural preservation should go hand in hand with the rejection of harmful traditions, making it clear that not everything inherited from previous generations should be maintained without scrutiny.

Using wife inheritance as an example, Museveni emphasised that the practice must be based on the consent of the individuals involved rather than coercion.

He stated that wife inheritance should be voluntary and never imposed by force, reinforcing the importance of respecting personal choice and dignity in the interpretation and practice of cultural traditions.

His remarks highlighted the need for cultural institutions to distinguish between traditions that promote social cohesion and those that may violate individual rights.

Cultural institutions and national development

Museveni's message reinforces the importance of cultural institutions as partners in Uganda's development, particularly in safeguarding indigenous languages, traditional knowledge, heritage and practices that can contribute to society.

The proposed partnership with Government research institutions such as Kawanda, Namulonge and Serere could also create opportunities for greater interaction between traditional knowledge holders, researchers and public institutions.

Such cooperation would help bridge the gap between indigenous knowledge and modern scientific research, while ensuring that cultural institutions remain relevant in addressing contemporary development challenges.

The President concluded by thanking the cultural leaders for their participation and contributions during the two-day engagements, wishing them success in their work.

His message underscored Government's commitment to working with cultural institutions to preserve Uganda's heritage, promote beneficial traditions and ensure that cultural identity contributes positively to national development.