Museveni Calls on Cultural Institutions to Strengthen Indigenous Languages

What the report says

President Yoweri Museveni has urged cultural institutions in Uganda to work more closely with the central government to protect indigenous languages and culture. According to Nile Post, he said these areas have not received enough attention and should not be left to schools alone if communities want to keep their linguistic identity alive.

Museveni made the remarks at the coronation of the new King of Tooro, Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal. The ceremony formally installed Nyabongo I as the 13th Omukama of Tooro and brought together cultural leaders, government officials, religious leaders and members of the Tooro community.

The president said cultural leaders are better placed to help pass local languages and traditions to younger generations through everyday use and community mobilization. He also pointed to culture as another neglected area, arguing that cultural institutions once played a stronger role in organizing events that promoted identity and heritage.

The report places his comments within broader national debates about how Uganda’s diverse cultural institutions can support the preservation of traditions, customs and indigenous languages. It also suggests that Museveni wants these institutions to remain active partners as society changes and as younger people take on greater responsibility for sustaining cultural practices.