Govt wants cultural leaders to be transformation ambassadors

KAMPALA - If the country is to witness uniform development,  cultural institutions should play their role in sensitisation, monitoring and preservation, National Planning Authority (NPA) senior planner Samuel Kasule has said.

Kasule says the country's development can only be fully realised when all actors take part in production. He has, therefore, called on cultural institutions to take the lead in championing the development cause.

"Cultural Leaders, you directly connect with your communities and, therefore, understand their strengths better; we are commissioning you to act in the role of ambassadorship in ensuring development," Kasule said.

Kasule made the call during the National Conference for Cultural Leaders organised by the gender ministry on January 16, 2025, at Imperial Royal Hotel in Kampala.
Gender ministry permanent secretary Dr Aggrey David Kibenge called on cultural leaders to identify efforts to promote development in their areas of dominance.

Minister Betty Amongi and Peace Mutuuzo during the conference. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)

Background

Uganda, a country rich in cultural diversity, has over 50 ethnic groups, each with its own cultural institution. These institutions have long served as custodians of Uganda’s cultural heritage, fostering identity, social unity and traditional leadership.

However, in recent years, several cultural institutions have been plagued by infighting and confusion, as evidenced by leadership disagreements, political interference and dwindling cultural authority.

Kingdoms, chiefdoms and clans are cultural institutions in Uganda that predate colonialism and have played an important role in community organisation.

Prior to colonial rule, these institutions, particularly kingdoms such as Buganda, Bunyoro, and Toro, wield significant political, economic, and social power.

During the colonial period, these structures were preserved but modified to meet the administrative needs of the British, who used them to control local populations.

After Uganda gained independence in 1962, the role of cultural institutions became contentious, particularly during the regime of Milton Obote, who abolished kingdoms in 1967 in an attempt to centralize power.

It was not until 1993, under President Yoweri Museveni’s administration, that cultural institutions were restored, albeit in a more symbolic capacity, after losing formal political power.