Uganda plans review of laws governing cultural institutions
The minister also congratulated the new Tooro king and praised the Babiito royal clan for cooperating with government during the transition following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The colourful ceremony, which attracted huge crowds, was held at the Karuziika Royal Palace in Fort Portal City on September 29, 2026. (Credit: Richard Sanya)
The government is considering revising the law governing Uganda’s cultural institutions.
The aim is to clarify their roles, document cultural practices and prevent the emergence of power centres that could threaten national stability, Gender, Labour and Social Development Minister Henry Tumukunde revealed.
Tumukunde, a retired senior military officer, revealed the plan during the enthronement and coronation of the new Tooro king, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.
The colourful ceremony, which attracted huge crowds, was held at the Karuziika Royal Palace in Fort Portal City on September 29, 2026.
Tumukunde said cultural institutions have roles defined by law and should remain within those boundaries while developing the institutional capacity to run their affairs independently.
“These cultural institutions have got roles that are specified by the law, and we request that these cultural institutions stick to this role,” Tumukunde said.
He warned that some cultural institutions were increasingly developing centres of power and urged cultural leaders to ensure these do not become a source of instability.
Tumukunde said the proposed review would also seek to formally document cultural practices, arguing that Uganda needs a clear record to guide future decisions involving cultural institutions.
“The role of the central government and cultural institutions put together is to modernise these institutions. I will be coming to you, sir (President Yoweri Museveni), to seek your guidance that we may have to revise the law, sit down, and even document what is called culture. Culture must also have a record,” he said.
Without giving details, he said recent tensions had demonstrated the need for clear records and guidelines on cultural practices instead of leaving decisions to individual interpretations.
“We must have a record on which to base on when we are making decisions for tomorrow,” Tumukunde said.
The minister also urged cultural institutions to build independent capacity to manage their affairs, warning that their survival should not depend on the goodwill of individual political leaders.
“I should also advise the cultural institutions that they must create independent capacity to run these kingdoms,” he said.
Tumukunde said the restoration of kingdoms was intended to help reverse the instability that followed their abolition, but argued that cultural institutions must now strengthen themselves to serve future generations.
He recalled that kingdoms were restored after a period in which they had been abolished, saying the restoration was linked to efforts to promote stability and recognise communities that wanted traditional leaders.
The minister also congratulated the new Tooro king and praised the Babiito royal clan for cooperating with government during the transition following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
He described the coronation as a symbol of national unity, saying cultural institutions could contribute to bringing Ugandans together.
At the ceremony, Musuuga Charles Kayondo Kamurasi Akiiki commended President Yoweri Museveni for his support to the Tooro Kingdom and the late King Oyo.
Kamurasi said Museveni supported Oyo from childhood, including his education and medical treatment
At the event, Kamurasi praised former Queen Mother Best Kemigisha for raising and guiding Oyo, whom he described as a champion of the HIV fight who loved the Tooro Kingdom and its people.
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.
Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I begins his reign as the 15th Omukama of Tooro, following the death of his cousin Oyo Nyimba Iguru IV, who succumbed to cancer on August 27 after a 31-year reign.
Highlights included an announcement by the chief guest, President Yoweri Museveni's announcement, that he has offered 100 heads of Ankole cattle as a coronation gift to Omukama Nyabongo I.