President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed his government’s support for the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom as it celebrated the 31st Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty Dr. Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I.
Speaking at the event held on June 11, 2025, at Karuzika Palace in Hoima City, President Museveni congratulated the Omukama and the people of Bunyoro for their commitment to cultural preservation and regional development.
The President expressed concern over the Omukama’s health and urged the public to keep him in their prayers.
He reminded the audience that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government restored cultural institutions in 1993, recognizing their vital role in Uganda’s socio-economic and cultural development.
“Cultural institutions must focus on preserving indigenous languages because modern governments mostly use English and Kiswahili. If you don’t take it up, who will teach your people their languages?” he said.
President Museveni emphasized the importance of cultural heritage, noting that it extends beyond marriage traditions to include indigenous foods and tools that define a people.
“At 80, I am healthy because I eat traditional foods like cassava, mingled millet, and milk. I avoid bread and rice,” he added.
He cautioned cultural leaders to remain neutral in politics and let electoral matters be decided by the people.
“The government is responsible for legislation, administration, and economic planning, but there are things that modern governments cannot do,” he said, pointing to the role of cultural institutions in language preservation, food promotion, rational customs, and socio-economic transformation.
President Museveni pledged continued government support for the Kingdom’s development initiatives.
Grace Mary Mugasa, Minister of State for Public Service, also addressed the gathering. She congratulated the Kingdom and thanked President Museveni for his longstanding support.
The celebrations drew thousands of jubilant subjects, along with kingdom and government officials, in a show of unity and cultural pride.