culture 29 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Museveni Urges Cultural Preservation at Tooro King's Coronation
President Museveni attended the coronation of Tooro Kingdom's new monarch, King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, urging leaders to protect cultural heritage, traditional marriage, and indigenous science. The ceremony proceeded despite a succession dispute within the royal family. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/preserve-culture-and-guard-indigenous-science-museveni-urges-as-tooro-crowns-nyabongo-i-5613724
President Yoweri Museveni has called upon cultural leaders across Uganda to actively preserve traditional values, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding family structures, promoting customary marriage, and protecting indigenous knowledge. His remarks came during the coronation ceremony of King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, the new monarch of Tooro Kingdom, held in Fort Portal on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
President Museveni, who also attended the 1995 coronation of the late King Oyo, paid tribute to his predecessor, acknowledging the positive contributions made during his reign. “I want to salute the memory of King Oyo for the wonderful work he did,” stated Museveni, reflecting on a recent letter from the late king.
Congratulating the newly crowned King Nyabongo I, a former journalist, President Museveni expressed confidence in his ability to lead, noting his past public service. The President also linked cultural practices to public health, suggesting that traditional norms contribute to lower HIV prevalence rates in regions like Karamoja compared to Western Uganda.
“We must go back to our traditional ways of conducting marriages, which provided clarity and helped maintain social order,” Museveni advised, urging a return to responsible family life. He also cautioned against cultural practices that restrict individuals, comparing them to “bad parenting” that hinders personal growth and relationships.
The President stressed the critical need to safeguard indigenous science, languages, and cultural practices from disappearing. He cited his own efforts to preserve Ankole long-horned cattle as an example of protecting national heritage.
The coronation of King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, the 13th monarch of the Batooro, proceeded following a selection by a 21-member royal clan committee, concluding a dispute over succession after the passing of King Oyo on August 27. Despite objections from members of the late king’s immediate family, the clan’s choice was upheld, with the central government reportedly backing the clan’s decision.
Festivities marked the occasion in Fort Portal, with cultural performances and community participation underscoring the significance of the event for cultural preservation and identity. Traditional ceremonies, including symbolic rituals, were conducted as part of the enthronement process.
Source: Daily Monitor