Vice President Hon. Jessica Alupo presided over the handover of vehicles to Uganda’s gazetted cultural leaders, an initiative aimed at enhancing their capacity to mobilise communities for peace, unity, and socio-economic transformation.
The event, organised by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, marks a significant milestone in strengthening the partnership between government and cultural institutions.
Hon. Alupo acknowledged the pivotal role cultural leaders play in preserving Uganda’s heritage, promoting social cohesion, and supporting government development programmes.
She encouraged cultural leaders to continue fostering peace and unity within their communities and to actively support government efforts ahead of the upcoming 2026 elections.
Reading a message from President Museveni, the Vice President highlighted the President’s recognition of the restoration of cultural institutions as an acknowledgement of the foresight of Uganda’s ancestors.
These ancestors united numerous clans into kingdoms such as Buganda, Bunyoro, and Ankole, fostering cooperation and reducing conflict, thereby laying the foundation for Uganda’s enduring peace and stability.
President Museveni’s message further emphasised the importance of cultural institutions as custodians of Uganda’s rich languages, customs, and traditions, which are vital to national identity and unity.
The government remains committed to protecting cultural heritage sites and promoting cultural tourism as part of its broader development agenda.
The President also praised cultural leaders as key partners in mobilising citizens for social and economic development, applauding their contributions to education, health, and household income improvements.
The vehicles handed over are intended to facilitate their mobility, enabling them to reach all parts of their kingdoms and support government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga wealth creation programmes.
Vice President Alupo congratulated the cultural leaders on receiving the vehicles and wished them continued success in their efforts to foster national unity and drive sustainable development.
