Museveni Urges Karamojong to Preserve Culture While Embracing Change

What the report says

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni used the opening of the 11th Karamoja Cultural Festival to call on the Karamojong to protect cultural practices that support family life, discipline and social cohesion, while setting aside traditions he said could slow development. The event took place at Naitakwe Sports Complex in Moroto District, according to Nile Post, and ran under a theme linking unity in culture, peace, tourism and natural resources.

Museveni said culture remains important, but should evolve alongside economic change. He urged the community to review its customs carefully and to retain what strengthens society while adapting practices that limit modern livelihoods. He specifically encouraged a shift away from nomadic cattle movement and toward more productive use of land and other income-generating activities.

The President also praised the Karamojong for supporting the government’s disarmament efforts, which he said helped improve peace and security in the region. He singled out women for helping recover firearms. He further linked strong family structures in Karamoja to positive social outcomes, including what he described as relatively low HIV/AIDS prevalence.

The wider context is that Karamoja has been seeking to expand tourism and investment around its cultural heritage, wildlife and landscape. The festival brought together communities from across the Ateker cluster, including participants from Uganda and neighboring countries, as the region presents its traditions not only as identity markers but also as potential economic assets.