President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on cultural leaders across Uganda to use the vehicles donated by the government to support wealth creation and mobilize their communities for national development.
The President’s message was delivered by Vice President Jessica Alupo Epel during an official ceremony where the Emorimor of the Iteso Cultural Union received two brand-new vehicles from the government to enhance cultural mobilization across the Teso sub-region.
Held at Kololo Ceremonial grounds, the colorful handover event attracted clan leaders across the country who gathered to witness what many described as a historical gesture of support to traditional leadership.
In his written speech, President Museveni emphasized the importance of cultural institutions in complementing government efforts, especially in mobilizing communities to embrace socio-economic transformation programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.
“The vehicles that you are receiving today will help to facilitate your mobilisation efforts and enable you to reach all parts of your Kingdoms,” the President said.
“Once your people are empowered economically, they can significantly contribute to the development of the kingdoms. Therefore, it is important to encourage your subjects to join the wealth creation campaign.”
President Museveni reiterated the NRM government’s commitment to working closely with cultural institutions as vital partners in fostering peace, unity, and development.
“Cultural leaders must use the resources given to them not only for ceremony but to educate and mobilize people. Support government initiatives that are transforming livelihoods at the grassroots,” the President added.
The two brand-new four-wheel drive vehicles handed over to cultural leaders including Emorimor His Highness Papa Iteso Paul Sande Emolot will be used by the central leadership of the Iteso Cultural Union to reach all parts of the Iteso community across Uganda and beyond.
President Museveni used the opportunity to revisit the historical context behind the restoration of cultural institutions in Uganda.
He recalled how cultural leadership was abolished in 1966 by then Prime Minister Milton Obote, plunging many Ugandan communities into cultural limbo until the NRM government took power in 1986.
“The institutions, which our people held dear and had painstakingly developed for over 500 years, were abolished overnight. How can you talk about culture without involving the traditional institutions?” Museveni asked.
He explained that the NRM’s bold decision to restore old monarchies and allow the formation of new ones was not just symbolic but strategic, aimed at recognizing the efforts of African ancestors who united fragmented clans into bigger political units.
“This wisdom of forming bigger political units is what the NRM sought to recognize because there is strength in numbers. That is why we support the unity of Uganda, the integration of East Africa, and Africa at large,” Museveni wrote.
The President also emphasized that cultural institutions have a vital responsibility in preserving Uganda’s rich cultural heritage, traditional languages, and historical sites.
“Our African dialects are richer than European languages like English. This rich heritage must be preserved, and the responsibility lies with the cultural institutions. Sites like palaces and royal burial grounds must also be protected,” he added.
Museveni praised cultural institutions that have made strides in improving social services such as education and health and contributing to social cohesion in their regions.
In his remarks shared with Teso News Network, Emorimor Papa Iteso Paul Sande Emolot thanked President Museveni for his continuous support to the Iteso people and pledged to use the donated vehicles to strengthen the union’s cultural mobilization drives and community outreach.
“These vehicles will enable us to better reach our people, not only in Teso but in all regions where Iteso live. We are committed to working with government to improve livelihoods, preserve our culture, and promote peace,” Emorimor said.
He further assured the Vice President and other leaders present that the Iteso Cultural Union would intensify its role in mobilizing people to take advantage of government economic empowerment programs.
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