President Museveni urges cultural leaders to strengthen existing government research institutions and support East African integration

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged traditional and cultural leaders to preserve Uganda’s positive cultural heritage, strengthen existing government research institutions and support East African integration as key drivers of wealth creation and socio-economic transformation.

The President made the call while closing a two-day conference for traditional and cultural leaders from across the country at State House, Entebbe, on November 5, 2026.

President Museveni welcomed the leaders and commended them for what he described as fruitful and constructive discussions, saying their proposals could contribute to national development if properly implemented.

He reaffirmed his support for the continued existence of traditional institutions, describing the abolition of kingdoms as a historical mistake.

“To destroy these kingdoms is a mistake,” he said.

On research and innovation, President Museveni called for the strengthening of existing government research institutions, including Kawanda, Namulonge, Serere, Nabuin and Kituza, instead of establishing separate facilities that duplicate their mandates.

He said the institutions should be supported to provide scientific research and technical expertise to cultural institutions, particularly in areas such as indigenous agriculture, livestock improvement and the preservation of traditional knowledge.

“The Government will support your proposals. For example, in line with your commitment to strengthen research, Government research institutions, such as Kawanda, Namulonge and Serere, can support the work of cultural institutions and reduce unnecessary duplication through the establishment of separate research centres,” he noted.

The President also urged cultural leaders to distinguish between positive cultural practices that should be preserved and harmful ones that undermine human dignity and individual rights.

He cited indigenous languages, cultural values, traditional knowledge and useful customs as important aspects of Uganda’s heritage that should be protected.

However, he cautioned against practices such as forced wife inheritance and female circumcision, emphasising that cultural practices must respect individual rights and personal consent.

“For instance, wife inheritance should never be forced on a widow. Such decisions must be based on her free consent. Culture must uphold human dignity,” he said.

President Museveni also reiterated the importance of East African integration, arguing that expanding regional markets would enable producers to increase production, trade and household incomes.

“I have always supported East African integration because our people need bigger markets. A Ugandan farmer should be able to produce milk and sell it in Kenya without unnecessary barriers. That is the practical value of integration, expanding markets, production and prosperity,” he said.

The President expressed satisfaction with the resolutions presented by the cultural leaders following their deliberations on the first day of the conference and pledged government support towards their implementation.

He proposed that the leaders sign the consensus document, which he would subsequently present to Cabinet for consideration.

President Museveni also assured the cultural leaders that he would engage the Cabinet and parliament on their proposals relating to the development and strengthening of traditional institutions.

On their part, the cultural leaders presented a series of resolutions and commitments aimed at positioning cultural institutions as active partners in Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

The leaders committed to protecting the country’s indigenous heritage, promoting traditional knowledge and preserving useful cultural practices to strengthen national identity, social cohesion and economic development.

They recognised traditional economic systems and occupational specialisations as valuable productive assets that could be revived and harnessed to create employment, increase household incomes, generate wealth and contribute to national development.

Under the protection and development of the traditional economy, the leaders committed to identifying and documenting indigenous occupational specialisations and skills, commonly referred to as Emyooga.

They also pledged to promote indigenous crop varieties, traditional agricultural practices, indigenous soil knowledge and sustainable food production systems.

In the livestock sector, the leaders underscored the importance of protecting indigenous breeds and animal genetic resources, including Ankole long-horned cattle and Zebu, while promoting appropriate livestock management and pastoral practices.

On cultural preservation, they committed to safeguarding indigenous knowledge relating to plants, animals and the natural environment, as well as promoting traditional food preparation and preservation methods.

They proposed that the ministry responsible for culture serve as the principal government coordinating institution to facilitate the translation of their commitments into practical and coordinated programmes.

The leaders pledged to move beyond the preservation of cultural ceremonies and historical identities and reposition their institutions as active centres of cultural preservation, indigenous knowledge development, community empowerment and productive economic transformation.

The leaders further commended President Museveni for his leadership and expressed appreciation for the government’s engagement and commitment to supporting their proposals.

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