Museveni to Meet Uganda's Cultural Leaders to Discuss NRM Vision

President Yoweri Museveni has announced a meeting with cultural leaders in Uganda, scheduled for September this year. The meeting aims to discuss the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s vision with these leaders.

“We have been active since the 1960s, initially as a student movement, then a fighting force due to our internal politics. We later evolved into a political movement with strong views that we wish to share with traditional leaders to avoid conflicts, as we are steadfast in our beliefs and cannot change,” said President Museveni.

He made these remarks on Monday, August 6, during a meeting with a group of African cultural leaders led by His Highness, Jude Mike Mudoma, Umukuka III of the Bamasaba Cultural Institution, at State House, Entebbe.

During the meeting, President Museveni urged the cultural leaders to educate their communities on wealth creation to improve their livelihoods. He highlighted the government's longstanding commitment to prosperity for all Ugandans.

“Our starting point is a question: Do you want prosperity in Africa or not? If you do, how can it be achieved? Certainly not by begging Europeans. If begging was the solution, Africa would be wealthy by now, having been reliant on aid for almost 70 years. This approach has clearly not worked, as crises persist across the continent. Therefore, we must address the issue of prosperity,” he explained.

“Our belief is that prosperity will come from every adult producing or participating in producing goods or services, selling them sustainably, and earning money. This income will help individuals become wealthy and solve their problems.”

President Museveni further emphasised that prosperity stems from wealth creation, which is why the government allocates funds through the Parish Development Model (PDM) to support every household. He shared his own experience of generating income through selling milk and beef from his cattle, despite not being able to sell within his tribe as they produce similar goods.

“The ones who buy my milk, beef, and bananas are from other tribes in Uganda. This inter-tribal trade is vital for our prosperity. That is why we advocate for patriotism and the importance of loving Uganda,” he noted.

He also stressed the need for a larger market beyond local borders, underscoring the importance of the African market for surplus goods, aligning with the principle of Pan-Africanism.

“Our people must change and embrace socio-economic transformation; they cannot remain in the past,” he asserted. President Museveni also warned against divisive politics, which can hinder development.

Umukuka Jude Mike Mudoma expressed gratitude for the President’s unwavering support for the Bugisu sub-region. He acknowledged the President’s presence at his inauguration, represented by the Vice President, and thanked him for the support during the late Emeritus Wamimbi’s burial and the recent Imbalu cultural festival launch on August 3 in Mbale city.

“The success of the Imbalu cultural festival was largely due to the government’s support, particularly from Your Excellency. We greatly appreciate your visionary leadership in elevating this nation,” he stated.

He also praised the Parish Development Model (PDM) for its transformative impact, noting that Bugisu Sub-region had received over Shs100 billion in the past year, a significant achievement. He pledged continued collaboration with the government to ensure the success of the PDM and other programmes.

Additionally, Umukuka commended President Museveni for fostering cultural institutions in Uganda through supportive legislation.

“Your leadership and vision for a united Africa are truly inspiring. We are committed to this journey with you, using our culture and heritage as the foundation for collective progress.”

His Royal Highness, Torgbui Amenya Fiti V, President of the Forum of Kings, Queens, and Traditional Leaders in Africa, and Paramount Chief of Aflao Traditional Area-Ghana, also expressed gratitude for President Museveni’s Pan-Africanism and solidarity.