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Synergy with govt is key to preserving Buganda culture
The next generations shouldn’t inherit Buganda, just in name. They should inherit the rich culture, heritage and traditions that define the Kingdom. Collaboration remains a key enabler in these efforts.
Henry Lutwama. (Courtesy)
By: Admin ., Journalist @New Vision
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OPINION
By Henry Lutwama
There are moments when a society ought to be futuristic. In the case of Buganda, we may have to ponder: what are we handing to the next generation? This is the message from senior clan Heads, Abataka abakulu ab’obusolya, in the press release of August 4, 2026.
Beyond our rituals, this is an invite to a deeper conversation about the relationship between the clans and the institution of the Kabaka, and whether younger generations are sufficiently connected to the foundations of Buganda Kingdom.
This is premised on two important affirmations attributed to His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II; that “Clans are the foundation of Buganda”, and, that “…Clan Heads and their descendants are the heart of Buganda”, which are the basis of my submissions.
For generations, the clan system has been one of the principal features for identity, kinship, responsibility, values and belonging. Thus, beyond holding titles, Abataka are custodians of an inheritance that cannot easily be reconstructed, if it’s lost.
Various studies, including, “Understanding African Diversity”, Harvard University, 2012, make the case of how such structures are effective mechanisms for societal cohesion, through close-knit relationships. A 2006 Study conducted in Kampala by James Habyarimana and colleagues, associated with the Harvard Weatherhead Centre for International Affairs, also flags the importance of social networks and reciprocity in unifying people towards shared aspirations.
The common thread here, is that beyond linking us to our ancestry, clan structures, if well understood and responsibly used, they can be vital instruments of social organisation and an intergenerational sense of responsibility.
It is instructive that Abataka invoke the events of April 3, 1992, when, according to their account, the then Clan Heads appealed to President Museveni to restore the Kingdom. The important message here being that restoration of traditional institutions was grounded in the desire to preserve culture, heritage and identity.
This reminds us of the entrenched nature of culture, and how it endures across epochs and generations. So, the concerns raised about Kabaka's Coronation Anniversary require careful handling. Abataka believe such occasions should retain their traditional character, including connection to the Palace and other cultural sites. At the same time, religious thanksgiving became part of life, cherished by many, implying these need not be competing traditions.
Thanksgiving can be a part of coronation events, without the former being deemed to compromise the latter. Even with thanksgiving, the coronation anniversary retains its stature of representing continuity of Buganda, with Kabaka at the helm, and the customs that have spanned generations.
The greater urgency should be on preserving our cultural sites, some of which are being lost or neglected. The significance of these sites is not merely the land on which they are. Rather, the history, folklore, rich practices and knowledge that are not easily recoverable, if lost.
Various studies, including, “Understanding African Diversity”, Harvard University, 2012, make the case of how such structures are effective mechanisms for societal cohesion, through close-knit relationships. A 2006 Study conducted in Kampala by James Habyarimana and colleagues, associated with the Harvard Weatherhead Centre for International Affairs, also flags the importance of social networks and reciprocity in unifying people towards shared aspirations.
The common thread here, is that beyond linking us to our ancestry, clan structures, if well understood and responsibly used, they can be vital instruments of social organisation and an intergenerational sense of responsibility.
It is instructive that Abataka invoke the events of April 3, 1992, when, according to their account, the then Clan Heads appealed to President Museveni to restore the Kingdom. The important message here being that restoration of traditional institutions was grounded in the desire to preserve culture, heritage and identity.
This reminds us of the entrenched nature of culture, and how it endures across epochs and generations. So, the concerns raised about Kabaka's Coronation Anniversary require careful handling. Abataka believe such occasions should retain their traditional character, including connection to the Palace and other cultural sites. At the same time, religious thanksgiving became part of life, cherished by many, implying these need not be competing traditions.
Thanksgiving can be a part of coronation events, without the former being deemed to compromise the latter. Even with thanksgiving, the coronation anniversary retains its stature of representing continuity of Buganda, with Kabaka at the helm, and the customs that have spanned generations.
The greater urgency should be on preserving our cultural sites, some of which are being lost or neglected. The significance of these sites is not merely the land on which they are. Rather, the history, folklore, rich practices and knowledge that are not easily recoverable, if lost.
Our experience with Kasubi Royal Tombs offers important lessons. After the devastating 2010 fire, restoration took combined efforts by Buganda Kingdom, the Government of Uganda, traditional custodians, communities and international partners. This was NOT just restoring structures, but a heritage. It was through intensive traditional/historical referencing and diligent craftsmanship that the sites were recreated. From this, we also learn that collaboration does not result in an institution losing its identity to another. The relationship between the Abataka and, indeed, Buganda and Government can be understood in this context.
In the case of our cultural sites that are at risk, the Kingdom, Abataka and Government can jointly ascertain the technical and financial requirements for restoring them. Universities, think-tanks, archivists, museums and other cultural centres can offer research support. We can and should collaborate to restore and protect these sites, whose benefits are for Buganda, and Uganda at large.
In a society where 85% of our population is aged below 35, the risk of outrightly losing our heritage and history is real. As part of concerted efforts towards restoring cultural sites, we should be closely checking if families, clans, schools and cultural institutions have modalities for transmitting our culture and history.
Modernity should not be an excuse because it can co-exist with culture preservation. Oral tradition can now be augmented by audio-visuals/ digitising elders’ narratives. Filmmakers, writers, researchers and tech-innovators should be capturing heritage in documentaries, podcasts and educational materials.
Our national identity is not weakened because Buganda protects its heritage, or because Bunyoro, Busoga, Tooro and other communities preserve theirs. If anything, we should be more intentional, by way of collaboration, to harness Uganda’s diversity for national unity.
Therefore, Abataka’s ideas are worth pondering. Their views should open a structured conversation involving themselves, Buganda Kingdom, the Central Government, religious leaders, scholars, communities and, importantly, our youth. The next generations shouldn’t inherit Buganda, just in name. They should inherit the rich culture, heritage and traditions that define the Kingdom. Collaboration remains a key enabler in these efforts.
he writer is a special presidential assistant on Bataka affairs
In the case of our cultural sites that are at risk, the Kingdom, Abataka and Government can jointly ascertain the technical and financial requirements for restoring them. Universities, think-tanks, archivists, museums and other cultural centres can offer research support. We can and should collaborate to restore and protect these sites, whose benefits are for Buganda, and Uganda at large.
In a society where 85% of our population is aged below 35, the risk of outrightly losing our heritage and history is real. As part of concerted efforts towards restoring cultural sites, we should be closely checking if families, clans, schools and cultural institutions have modalities for transmitting our culture and history.
Modernity should not be an excuse because it can co-exist with culture preservation. Oral tradition can now be augmented by audio-visuals/ digitising elders’ narratives. Filmmakers, writers, researchers and tech-innovators should be capturing heritage in documentaries, podcasts and educational materials.
Our national identity is not weakened because Buganda protects its heritage, or because Bunyoro, Busoga, Tooro and other communities preserve theirs. If anything, we should be more intentional, by way of collaboration, to harness Uganda’s diversity for national unity.
Therefore, Abataka’s ideas are worth pondering. Their views should open a structured conversation involving themselves, Buganda Kingdom, the Central Government, religious leaders, scholars, communities and, importantly, our youth. The next generations shouldn’t inherit Buganda, just in name. They should inherit the rich culture, heritage and traditions that define the Kingdom. Collaboration remains a key enabler in these efforts.
he writer is a special presidential assistant on Bataka affairs