President Museveni urges cultural leaders to strengthen existing government research institutions and support East African integration

What the report says

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on traditional and cultural leaders to protect Uganda’s positive cultural heritage, back existing government research institutions and support East African integration as part of efforts to drive wealth creation and socio-economic change. He made the remarks while closing a two-day conference for cultural leaders from across the country at State House, Entebbe, according to Watchdog Uganda, on November 5, 2026.

Museveni said he supports the continued existence of traditional institutions and argued that abolishing kingdoms was a historical error. He also urged leaders to avoid harmful practices that conflict with human dignity and rights, while preserving elements he described as valuable, such as indigenous languages, cultural values, traditional knowledge and useful customs. He specifically cited forced wife inheritance and female circumcision as practices that should not be imposed on individuals.

On research, the President said Uganda should strengthen existing state facilities such as Kawanda, Namulonge, Serere, Nabuin and Kituza rather than create separate centres that repeat the same work. He said these institutions can help cultural groups with scientific research and technical support in areas like agriculture, livestock improvement and the preservation of traditional knowledge.

Museveni also restated his support for East African integration, saying larger regional markets would help producers sell more, expand production and raise household incomes. The cultural leaders, for their part, presented resolutions on protecting indigenous heritage, documenting traditional skills and promoting productive use of cultural knowledge. They also asked the ministry responsible for culture to coordinate implementation of their proposals.