Museveni requests Cultural leaders to discourage tribalism, religionism

By Elizabeth Ankunda

31^st March 2023

President Yoweri Museveni has asked cultural leaders not to divide people based on tribes and religion.

The President said this while speaking to some clan heads from Buganda at State House Entebbe on Wednesday. The group was led by the State Minister for Information Technology and National Guidance, Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo.

He said his government fought amidst resistance to restore cultural institutions in order to help the government to promote culture and good morals.

He said some of those NRM people opposed the restoration of kingdoms saying it would escalate tribalism, but were convinced that their existence would be of importance.

He said it was made clear that the central government has a lot of work to do in keeping the peace, developing the infrastructure and then kingdoms would concentrate on promoting good cultures and instilling good morals in society.

Museveni recalled a meeting he had in August 1981 with Prince Ronald Mutebi and the late Prof. Lule in which they agreed to restore Buganda’s status like it was before the 1966 crisis.

For her part, Ssebugwawo thanked Museveni for meeting the clan heads saying it will go a long way in mending the relationship between Mengo and him after 30 years.

Omutaka Nakigoye of Kinyomo clan, Nabbimba Lukabya Samson thanked the President for inviting them for a discussion.

He however, expressed dismay over the dismissal of about 85 per cent of their land in Kyasa by the National Forestry Authority yet the land initially belonged to the Kinyomo clan and asked the president to intervene.

For his part, Omutaka Walusimbi Mbirozankya, the head of the Ffumbe clan thanked Museveni for the peace not only in Uganda but also in the region.

He appealed to the President to help them secure the two and a half acres of land near Bulange Mengo which they need to set up their offices and other developmental ventures to benefit the Kingdom.

Museveni promised to look for USD 2.5 million in the July Financial year and buy land for them.

For his part, Ssewava Sselubiri a former minister at Mengo hailed Museveni for standing firm against immoral acts such as homosexuality and promised him support.

End