CULTURE UNDER THREAT! Museveni Challenges Kingdoms to Save Languages, Traditional Family Values
President Museveni poses for a photo moment with Omukama Nyabongo and other members of the royal clan
President Yoweri Museveni has challenged Uganda’s cultural institutions to work with the central government to preserve indigenous languages, cultures, and traditional family values, saying these areas are being neglected in the modern education system.
Museveni made the remarks on Tuesday during the coronation of Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.
The President said his support for the restoration of cultural institutions was influenced by his desire to protect aspects of African society that were at risk of disappearing.
He said indigenous languages were among the areas facing the greatest threat as children increasingly communicate in English and other dominant languages.
Museveni cited Runyankore, which he described as one of the richest languages, saying it contains words and expressions that are difficult to find in English.
He said cultural institutions should work with government to ensure indigenous languages are taught and preserved for the young and future generations.
Museveni said he had personally been involved in efforts to preserve indigenous languages, revealing that he had written a Runyankore dictionary ( Katondozi), which he gifted to Omukama Nyabongo.
The President also challenged cultural institutions to take a leading role in preserving traditional family values.
He said African communities had elaborate systems governing marriage, relationships between families and clans, and the conduct of married and unmarried people.
Museveni said many of these cultural practices helped regulate society and maintain family relationships but are being weakened by modern lifestyles.
He urged cultural institutions to document and promote positive aspects of traditional family values while working with modern institutions.
The President said his views on the role of cultural institutions had also been shaped by the political struggles he witnessed during the restoration of kingdoms.
He recalled the tension between hereditary traditional leaders and nationalist politicians over political power.
Museveni said this experience taught him that political power should remain with elected representatives who can be removed by citizens through elections, while cultural institutions should concentrate on their cultural responsibilities.
The president congratulated Nyanbongo upon his enthronement as King of Tooro and asked him to become a good leader to the People of Tooro.
“I have been seeing him read news on UBC TV, and he was a good newsreader in English. I am sure he will do a good job in this role.” Museveni said.
Museveni also paid tribute to the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, saying he was saddened by his death.
He also revealed that on the day after the burial of Oyo, he found a letter written to him by Oyo on June 15, in which the former king discussed several matters concerning the Tooro Kingdom and thanked him for supporting the Kingdom, including the appointment of ministers in his current cabinet who hail from Tooro.
The President gifted the new king 100 cows and a copy of his self-authored Runyankole dictionary.
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