The Government of Uganda has officially handed over new vehicles to gazetted cultural leaders across the country to support their efforts in mobilising communities for socio-economic transformation.
The initiative, launched under the Traditional Leaders Enhancement Programme, was spearheaded by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development. The event was graced by Vice President Jessica Alupo, who represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, alongside Minister Betty Amongi and Permanent Secretary Aggrey Kibenge.
Vice President Alupo said the gesture is part of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s strategy to involve cultural institutions in national development. “The vehicles you are receiving today will facilitate your mobilisation efforts and enable you to reach all parts of your kingdoms,” she said. She called on cultural leaders to use the vehicles in implementing government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga aimed at fighting household poverty.
Alupo emphasized that the restoration of monarchies, championed by the NRM in 1993, was meant to recognize and formalize the role of traditional institutions in promoting unity. “The decision to restore monarchies was to recognise the efforts of our ancestors in establishing centralised administrations that united several clans into kingdoms. This unity minimised conflicts and strengthened cooperation,” she noted.
The Vice President further acknowledged the value of Uganda’s linguistic and cultural heritage. “Our African dialects are richer than European languages, and this heritage must be preserved,” she said, stressing the need to promote local languages and cultural practices.
In her remarks, Alupo thanked the cultural leaders for their prayers and blessings, which she said offered her strength as the country prepares for the forthcoming political season. She also urged the Ministry of Gender to work with the Ministry of Tourism to gazette cultural sites for preservation.
Permanent Secretary Aggrey Kibenge said the handover reflects the government’s deep respect for Uganda’s cultural heritage. “Cultural institutions have long been a cornerstone of moral guidance, dispute resolution, and cultural preservation. As Uganda continues on its development path, these institutions remain crucial partners in promoting peace, cultural identity, and community mobilisation for transformation,” he said.
Kibenge commended President Museveni for his continued support to the ministry’s programmes and appreciated the Vice President for gracing the occasion despite her busy schedule ahead of the primary elections. He also urged cultural leaders to ensure proper maintenance of the vehicles. “Ensure these vehicles are serviced at authorised Toyota Uganda service centres to guarantee a longer lifespan and reliable service,” he advised.
He concluded by calling for continued collaboration. “May today mark the beginning of deeper trust and collaboration between Government and cultural institutions, so that together we steer our country towards its envisioned future,” Kibenge said.
The vehicles were welcomed with praise from cultural leaders, including the Umukuka III of the Bamasaba, who described the handover as a demonstration of mutual respect between the state and traditional authorities. Alupo reiterated that cultural institutions are recognised by the NRM government as vital partners in fostering peace, unity, and economic development.
The support to cultural institutions is anchored in the 1995 Constitution and the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act of 2011. While critics often question the timing and intent of such initiatives, particularly during politically active periods, government officials maintain that the investment underscores a long-standing policy of integrating cultural leaders into Uganda’s development agenda.
