Museveni pledges support to Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Wednesday (June 11) officiated at the 31st coronation anniversary of Dr Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I, the Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, at Karuzika Palace in Hoima City.

The celebrations were attended by kingdom officials, government officials, and thousands of jubilant subjects.

Addressing the gathering, Museveni congratulated Banyoro upon reaching this significant milestone and commended the kingdom for its role in the development of both Bunyoro region and Uganda at large.

👉Museveni congratulates Bunyoro king on 31st coronation anniversary

President Museveni waves to cultural and political leaders as he arrives at the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom palace in Hoima city to attend the 31st Empango celebrations on Wednesday. (PPU)

Concerned over the king's ill health, the President urged Ugandans to keep him in their prayers.

He also reflected on the restoration of cultural institutions by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government in 1993, saying the decision was deliberate because of the important role kingdoms play in the cultural and socio-economic development of society.

“The Government is responsible for legislation, administration, and economic planning, but there are things that modern governments cannot do.

"Cultural institutions, for example, should take the lead in preserving and promoting indigenous languages, with support from the government,” said Museveni.

He emphasised that culture encompasses more than just customs surrounding marriage; it includes food and tools that define people.

President Museveni poses for a photo with some members of the royal family of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom during the 31st coronation anniversary held at the kingdom palace in Hoima city on Wednesday. (PPU)

He attributed his good health at 80 years of age to traditional foods such as cassava, mingled millet, and milk, adding that he avoids foods like bread and rice.

Museveni further cautioned cultural leaders against involvement in partisan politics, urging them instead to leave electoral processes to the people.

He identified four key areas where cultural institutions should focus:

▪️ Preservation of indigenous languages

▪️ Promotion of traditional foods

▪️ Safeguarding rational customs

▪️ Supporting socio-economic transformation

The above, the President said, were the reasons behind the restoration of cultural institutions in Uganda.

Kingdom loyalists blowing the hons. (PPU)

Queen of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom Margaret Adyeri attending the Empango celebrations on Wednesday. (PPU Photo)

“Cultural institutions must focus on preserving indigenous languages because modern governments mostly use English and Kiswahili. If you don’t take it up, who will teach your people their languages?"

Museveni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom in its development efforts.

Public service state minister Grace Mary Mugasa also congratulated the kingdom and thanked President Museveni for his continued support to Bunyoro-Kitara.