President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged traditional and cultural leaders to work with existing government research institutions to preserve indigenous knowledge, improve traditional economic activities and support Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
Museveni said institutions such as Kawanda, Namulonge, Serere, Nabuin and Kituza should be strengthened to provide scientific research and technical support to cultural institutions instead of establishing separate research centres that duplicate their work.
He made the remarks on November 5, 2026, while closing a two-day conference for traditional and cultural leaders from across Uganda at State House, Entebbe.
The President said government research institutions could help cultural institutions improve indigenous agriculture, livestock production 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 said.
Museveni also reaffirmed his support for traditional institutions, describing the abolition of kingdoms as a historical mistake.
“To destroy these kingdoms is a mistake,” he said.
He challenged cultural leaders to distinguish between beneficial cultural practices that should be preserved and harmful customs that violate individual rights and human dignity.
He cited indigenous languages, traditional values, knowledge systems and useful customs as important elements of Uganda’s heritage that should be protected.
However, he cautioned against practices such as forced wife inheritance and female circumcision, saying cultural traditions should not override 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.
The President also called on cultural leaders to support East African integration, arguing that regional markets would allow farmers and other producers to expand 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.
Museveni welcomed resolutions presented by the cultural leaders following their deliberations and pledged government support towards their implementation.
He proposed that the leaders sign a consensus document, which he would subsequently present to Cabinet for consideration.
He also promised to engage Cabinet and Parliament on proposals concerning the development and strengthening of traditional institutions.
Cultural leaders propose revival of indigenous economic systems
In their resolutions, the cultural leaders committed to positioning traditional institutions as active partners in Uganda’s socio-economic transformation rather than limiting their role to preserving ceremonies, customs and historical identities.
They identified traditional economic systems and occupational specialisations, commonly referred to as Emyooga, as productive assets that could be revived to create employment, increase household incomes and generate wealth.
The leaders pledged to identify and document indigenous occupational skills and specialisations while promoting indigenous crop varieties, traditional farming practices, indigenous soil knowledge and sustainable food production systems.
In the livestock sector, they called for the protection of indigenous breeds and animal genetic resources, including Ankole long-horned cattle and Zebu, alongside appropriate livestock management and pastoral practices.
They also committed to safeguarding indigenous knowledge about plants, animals and the natural environment, as well as promoting traditional food preparation and preservation methods.
The cultural leaders proposed that the ministry responsible for culture serve as the principal government coordinating institution to translate their commitments into practical and coordinated programmes.
They said traditional institutions should become centres of cultural preservation, indigenous knowledge development, community empowerment and productive economic transformation.
The leaders also commended Museveni for engaging with them and expressed appreciation for the government’s commitment to considering their proposals.