Museveni Challenges Cultural Leaders to Drive African Heritage and Wealth Creation

President Yoweri Museveni has called upon traditional and cultural leaders to actively safeguard Africa’s historical identity, indigenous knowledge, and cultural practices. Speaking during a two-day conference at State House in Entebbe, the President emphasized that cultural institutions possess a vital responsibility to restore traditions that were previously undermined by colonialism.

Highlighting the importance of unity, President Museveni noted that Africa’s shared history and linguistic connections should serve as the bedrock for economic integration and cooperation. He cautioned cultural figures against politicizing their institutions, advising them to focus instead on community guidance, social cohesion, and the preservation of heritage while leaving formal legislation and public administration to elected government structures.

Furthermore, the President underscored the significance of indigenous knowledge in agriculture, craftsmanship, and traditional food systems as essential tools for boosting household incomes and building economic resilience. He outlined Africa’s broader historical missions, emphasizing that political independence must be reinforced by economic prosperity, strategic security, and regional integration through frameworks like the East African Community.

In response, participating cultural leaders proposed forging stronger partnerships with the government to utilize Uganda’s diversity for social and economic transformation. Their proposals included offering land for model agricultural farms, establishing agro-processing facilities, setting up a Digital Cultural Park, and hosting a national cultural festival to boost tourism and preserve heritage.

Gen. Henry Tumukunde, the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, also addressed the gathering. He urged traditional leaders to collaborate with the state in tackling pressing social issues such as poverty, teenage pregnancy, and harmful cultural practices while harnessing the economic potential of the creative industry.

Read more about the conference on State House Uganda.