President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged continued government support to the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, as he officiated the 31st Coronation Anniversary of Omukama Dr. Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I on Wednesday at Karuzika Palace in Hoima City.
Addressing thousands of attendees, Museveni praised the Kingdom’s contributions to regional and national development and urged cultural institutions to focus on preserving indigenous languages, promoting traditional foods, and supporting socio-economic transformation.
“Government cannot do everything. While we handle legislation and planning, cultural institutions must champion the preservation of identity, especially through language and tradition,” the President said.
Museveni expressed concern over Omukama Iguru’s health, asking the public to keep the monarch in their prayers. The King, who has recently been ailing, did not address the crowd.
Reflecting on the 1993 restoration of kingdoms by his National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, Museveni said the move was intended to empower cultural institutions to contribute to development without engaging in partisan politics.
He warned traditional leaders against political involvement, saying, “Leave electoral matters to the people. Focus instead on what culture can offer to our transformation.”
The President also credited traditional foods like cassava, millet, and milk for his good health at age 80, discouraging reliance on processed foods like bread and rice.
Minister of State for Public Service Grace Mary Mugasa congratulated the Kingdom and thanked Museveni for his consistent support.
The ceremony drew kingdom leaders, government officials, and thousands of jubilant subjects.
