President Yoweri Museveni has challenged cultural institutions to work closely with the central government in promoting and preserving indigenous languages, describing language and culture as areas that have received insufficient attention.
Museveni made the remarks during the coronation of the new King of Tooro, Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal, where he called on cultural leaders to take a more active role in passing indigenous languages and traditions on to younger generations. The ceremony formally installed Nyabongo I as the 13th Omukama of Tooro.
The President said indigenous languages cannot be preserved through the formal education system alone, arguing that cultural institutions have an important role to play in ensuring communities maintain their linguistic identity.
“I challenge the cultural institutions to cooperate with the central government to strengthen their languages. This cannot be taught in education institutions, but the cultural leaders can. This is one area that has been neglected,” Museveni said.
He said the responsibility of preserving indigenous languages should not be left entirely to schools, noting that cultural leaders are better placed to mobilise communities and promote the use of local languages in everyday life.
Museveni also identified culture as another area he believes has not received adequate attention, citing the role previously played by cultural institutions in organising activities aimed at promoting cultural identity.
“The second area that has been neglected is culture. The Nabagereka of Buganda used to organise cultural galas in Buganda. But I asked them, do you know culture?” he said.
The President’s remarks come amid continued discussions about the role of cultural institutions in preserving Uganda’s diverse heritage, including indigenous languages, traditions, customs and cultural practices.
He urged cultural leaders to work with government to ensure that cultural values are passed on to younger generations while also adapting cultural activities to the changing needs of society.
The coronation at Karuziika Palace brought together cultural leaders, government officials, religious leaders and members of the Tooro community for the formal installation of Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I following the death of his predecessor, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, on August 27, 2026.
