Museveni urges cultural institutions to protect indigenous science

FORT PORTAL - President Yoweri Museveni has called on Uganda's cultural institutions to protect and promote indigenous science, including traditional medicine and languages.

He says the country could make substantial money from developing knowledge and products derived from local resources.

Museveni made the call on Tuesday (September 20) during the coronation of King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I of Tooro at the Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.

“We have got our scientists who are developing medicines from herbs. So, I am appealing to the cultural institutions to really be the patrons of this indigenous science. We are going to make a lot of money through the medicines."

Museveni made the call on Tuesday (September 20) during the coronation of King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I of Tooro at the Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City. (Credit: Richard Sanya)

He described indigenous science as a potential multibillion-dollar industry and urged cultural institutions to work with scientists to document, preserve and develop traditional knowledge.

Museveni said indigenous knowledge extends beyond traditional medicine to languages, agriculture, livestock, household products and cultural practices, warning that much of it risks disappearing as modern systems replace traditional practices.

He cited the Ankole longhorn cattle as an example, saying he had insisted on preserving the breed despite criticism from modern veterinary experts that it produced less milk and meat than other breeds.

Museveni said South African president Cyril Ramaphosa bought 43 of his Ankole longhorn cattle, adding that the breed has since attracted interest outside Uganda.

Museveni challenged kingdoms to work with the central government to preserve indigenous languages and cultural knowledge, saying schools alone are not doing enough. (Credit: Richard Sanya)

Indigenous languages

He also pointed to traditional household products and indigenous materials as areas that could have commercial value if properly developed.

In the same spirit, Museveni urged cultural institutions to become patrons of indigenous science and help connect traditional knowledge with modern scientific research.

His call also extended to indigenous languages, which he said were under threat as younger generations increasingly speak English and other widely used languages.

“I could see this was an area which was in danger because children are now speaking English. The indigenous languages are not attended to at all."

Museveni challenged kingdoms to work with the central government to preserve indigenous languages and cultural knowledge, saying schools alone are not doing enough.

He said cultural institutions should play a broader role in society beyond traditional ceremonies, including advising communities on family values, agriculture and livelihoods.

He cited the four-acre farming model, which he said had been promoted since 1996, as an example of knowledge that cultural institutions could help take to communities. 

Nyabongo I, 56,  succeeds the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died on August 27 this year at the age of 34, ending his 31-year reign.

He was selected by the Babiito royal clan's succession committee to succeed his cousin as the 15th ruler of Tooro.

Before ascending the throne, Nyabongo I was known as a veteran journalist, news anchor and editor at the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC).

Kamurasi also praised the former Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa (Pictured), for raising and guiding Oyo, whom he described as a champion of the HIV fight who loved Tooro and its people. (File Photo)

Musuuga commends Best Kemigisa

At Tuesday's coronation, Musuuga Charles Kayondo Kamurasi, the head of the Babiito royal clan, commended Museveni for his support to Tooro Kingdom and the late King Oyo right from childhood, including his education and medical treatment.

He also commended the UPDF and Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for supporting the kingdom, including the rehabilitation of the palace and security arrangements for the coronation.

Kamurasi also praised the former Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa, for raising and guiding Oyo, whom he described as a champion of the HIV fight who loved Tooro and its people.