Kampala, Uganda – President Yoweri Museveni has called on traditional and cultural leaders to take up leading roles in the promotion of local languages and the halting of harmful cultural practices. He said such leaders have a critical role to play in community development for the growth of Uganda.

The Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Betty Amongi, who represented the President at the National Conference for Traditional and Cultural Leaders at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, said the government was committed to supporting the cultural leaders in their activities.

Government Support for Cultural Leaders

The president also announced that the government was going to increase the allowances of all recognised traditional and cultural leaders to ensure that they can attend to the development of local languages and spread the message of economic empowerment.

“We have decided to increase your allowances to enable you to promote local languages and run programs that wipe out harmful cultural practices,” Museveni said.

He also promised that the cultural leaders would have better means of transport to ease movement between places as they discharge their duties and said that more vehicles would be handed over to them in the near future.

Improving Living Standards

In a bid to ensure that the cultural leaders are well housed, the government is also putting up new palaces where there were none. Museveni also assured the leaders of continued security and protection by the government.

Building Stronger Partnerships

The conference, which was held under the theme “The Role of Traditional and Cultural Leaders in the Promotion of Culture for Socio-Economic Development in Uganda,” brought together the government and cultural institutions in a dialogue.

He added that for long-term development in Uganda, there was a need for strong partnerships between the government and cultural institutions. He noted that traditional leaders play a key role in helping the country achieve its goals, including Uganda’s Vision 2040, Africa’s Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals, Agenda 2030.

“There is growing evidence that real and meaningful development can only come by valuing our cultural heritage and building strong partnerships,” he said.

The President called on cultural leaders to suggest ways of how to improve cooperation with the government, saying their contribution is vital in the development of Uganda.

Ensuring a Bright Future

As the conference continues, leaders and stakeholders will discuss solutions to cultural and social challenges. The goal is to protect Uganda’s traditions while encouraging progress and development.

President Museveni called for cultural leaders to ensure that the country retains its heritage, that local languages improve, and the people become economically empowered. Their role in shaping the future of Uganda remains stronger, with government support.