President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni joined leaders and residents of the Karamoja sub-region in Moroto to mark the annual Karamoja Cultural Festival, commending the region for its commitment to preserving cultural identity while embracing socio-economic modernization.
Addressing thousands of attendees at the cultural grounds, President Museveni expressed gratitude to the people of Karamoja for their strong political support and endorsement of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Reflecting on the security transformation of the sub-region, President Museveni emphasized that the government's disarmament program was an essential step to eliminate cattle rustling, restore law and order, and pave the way for sustainable infrastructure and social development.
He gave special recognition to Karimojong women, noting that their active cooperation with security forces was instrumental in voluntary and targeted arms recovery efforts.
"I especially thanked the women who supported us in collecting more than 41,000 guns," President Museveni noted following the engagement.
The President urged the Karimojong community to safeguard positive cultural traditions, such as strong family values, social discipline, and communal solidarity, while abandoning harmful traditional practices that hinder individual and regional progress.
He stressed that cultural preservation and modern economic development must go hand in hand to ensure lasting prosperity across the sub-region.
The festival featured traditional performances, cultural exhibitions, and cross-border peace delegations, drawing participation from pastoral communities across Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.
