President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged cultural leaders across Uganda to take a central role in promoting wealth creation, unity, and social transformation among their people, emphasizing that sustainable national development can only be achieved when economic progress is rooted in individual and household prosperity.
The President’s message was delivered by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, during the 3rd coronation anniversary of His Royal Highness Paul Sande Etomeileng Emolot III, the Emorimor of the Iteso, held at Emokori Boma Grounds in Bukedea District.
In his message, President Museveni congratulated the Emorimor and the Iteso community for the progress achieved under his leadership over the past three years.
He praised the Teso Cultural Institution for aligning itself with the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) vision of wealth creation, peace, and socio-economic transformation.
“Three years ago, you were entrusted with the mantle of presiding over the cultural affairs of your people. Today, we celebrate the achievements registered under your reign,” the President’s message read.
He commended the Emorimor for mobilizing his people to engage in productive activities that uplift livelihoods, preserve culture, and strengthen unity within the community.
“Cultural leadership plays a vital role in preserving people’s identity, their languages, customs, and traditions. I commend the Kingdom’s leadership for embracing the NRM message on wealth creation and for mobilizing the community to engage in productive enterprises,” he said.
President Museveni highlighted that Uganda’s development journey under the NRM government has been anchored on stability, unity, and infrastructural expansion.
He noted that over the past decades, Uganda has enjoyed peace, expanded access to education and healthcare, and witnessed major investments in roads, power generation, and industrial development.
However, he stressed that these achievements will only be meaningful if they translate into increased household incomes and wealth.
“Development alone is not enough. It must be translated into jobs and wealth for families to be meaningful,” he emphasized.
The President underscored the importance of mindset change among Ugandans, urging citizens to shift from subsistence living to commercial and productive ventures that can sustain long-term prosperity.
He called on cultural and political leaders to work together in promoting tolerance, peace, and unity among communities, warning against divisive politics rooted in ethnicity or religion.
“The NRM’s philosophy is built on interests, not identity. Interests such as the need for schools, hospitals, roads, and electricity are shared by all people. When leaders emphasize identity over interests, they divide society and slow progress,” he cautioned.
President Museveni reiterated that Uganda’s cultural institutions remain vital partners in the country’s development agenda, serving as custodians of heritage and instruments of social mobilization for economic empowerment.
In her remarks, Rt. Hon. Anita Among commended President Museveni and the NRM government for restoring cultural institutions that were once abolished, noting that their reinstatement has helped rebuild unity and strengthen Uganda’s social fabric.
She said the continued existence of traditional institutions contributes significantly to community development, cultural preservation, and the promotion of moral values.
The Speaker also congratulated the Emorimor on his third coronation anniversary and lauded his efforts in promoting peace and social cohesion among the Iteso people.
The coronation ceremony was attended by government officials, traditional leaders from various regions, and representatives of the Iteso community from Uganda and neighboring Kenya, all of whom expressed commitment to supporting the government’s efforts in building a united and prosperous nation.
Through his message, President Museveni reaffirmed the NRM’s dedication to working with cultural institutions to advance the country’s socio-economic transformation agenda, urging Ugandans to focus on wealth creation as the foundation for lasting peace and development.
