Government donates luxury cars to cultural leaders to mobilize communities for peace, unity, and comprehensive socio-economic transformation; Buganda turns down offer

The Vice President, Jessica Alupo, today presided over a pivotal ceremony, overseeing the handover of brand new vehicles to Uganda’s gazetted cultural leaders. This significant initiative, organized by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, aims to bolster the capacity of these revered leaders to mobilize communities for peace, unity, and comprehensive socio-economic transformation across the nation.

The event marks a crucial milestone in strengthening the enduring partnership between the Ugandan government and its traditional institutions. Vice President Alupo lauded the pivotal role cultural leaders play in preserving Uganda’s rich heritage, fostering social cohesion, and actively supporting government development programs. She urged them to continue cultivating peace and unity within their communities and to robustly support government efforts, particularly as the country approaches the 2026 elections.

Delivering a message from President Yoweri Museveni, the Vice President highlighted the President’s profound recognition of the restoration of cultural institutions as an acknowledgement of the foresight of Uganda’s ancestors. These historical figures, the message emphasized, successfully united numerous clans into powerful kingdoms such as Buganda, Bunyoro, and Ankole, thereby fostering cooperation, significantly reducing conflict, and laying the foundational groundwork for Uganda’s enduring peace and stability.

President Museveni’s message further underscored the vital importance of cultural institutions as custodians of Uganda’s rich tapestry of languages, customs, and traditions, which are indispensable to national identity and unity. The government, he affirmed, remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting cultural heritage sites and promoting cultural tourism as integral components of its broader development agenda.

The President also commended cultural leaders as indispensable partners in mobilizing citizens for social and economic development, applauding their substantial contributions to advancements in education, health, and household income improvements. The vehicles handed over are specifically intended to enhance their mobility, enabling them to effectively reach all corners of their kingdoms and actively support government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the Emyooga wealth creation programs.

Vice President Alupo concluded by congratulating the cultural leaders on receiving the vehicles and extended her best wishes for their continued success in fostering national unity and driving sustainable development.

Ministers Emphasize Heritage and Empowerment

Also speaking at the ceremony, Betty Amongi, the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, expressed sincere gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni for fulfilling his pledge to equip cultural leaders with essential tools to facilitate their vital work. She also acknowledged Vice President Jessica Alupo for her unwavering support to both the ministry and cultural institutions.

“This initiative demonstrably showcases the Government’s commitment to preserving our heritage, promoting cultural identity, and empowering cultural leaders to effectively mobilize communities for social and economic transformation,” Minister Amongi stated. She highlighted the crucial role of cultural institutions in preserving Uganda’s social fabric, mediating community conflicts, promoting positive values, and supporting government programs like household income improvement and the eradication of gender-based violence. Amongi pledged continued collaboration with cultural institutions to further strengthen national unity and development.

Permanent Secretary Aggrey Kibenge further elaborated on the significance of the gesture, noting that the provision of these vehicles unequivocally demonstrates the Government’s deep respect for Uganda’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.

“Cultural institutions have long served as a cornerstone of moral guidance, dispute resolution, and cultural preservation,” Kibenge remarked. “As Uganda continues on its development path, these institutions remain crucial partners in promoting peace, cultural identity, and community mobilization for transformation.”

Kibenge conveyed his gratitude to His Excellency the President for his consistent support to the ministry’s programs and appreciated the Vice President for gracing the occasion despite her demanding schedule on the eve of primary elections. He also offered practical advice, urging cultural leaders to ensure proper servicing and maintenance of their new vehicles at authorized Toyota Uganda service centers to guarantee their longevity and reliable service.

“May today mark the beginning of deeper trust and collaboration between Government and cultural institutions, so that together we steer our country towards its envisioned future,” Kibenge concluded, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the event.