LIRA.
In a bid to endear cultural leaders to its side ahead of next year’s general elections , government has promised to give each of them brand new official vehicles and fuel allowances to easy their movements .
Although cultural leaders are barred from participating in partisan politics ,they are free to support any person of their choice in an election .
Speaking during a cultural function in Lira City on May 2,2025 Gender, Labour and Social Development Minister Mr Betty Amongi revealed that President Museveni had directed her ministry to facilitate cultural leaders with “transport and logistical support”.
“I want to confirm to the cultural leaders here and some of you who are their supporters that to facilitate their work, His Excellency, the President directed us in the Ministry of Gender to make sure that these people have transport that will be supporting their movements,” said Ms Amongi.
“So, we have already purchased one station wagon official vehicle for the king and a double cabin pickup to back up the king. We have requested the President, if possible, to hand over this month because we have already purchased [the vehicles], they’re already there, and are just waiting to be given [out],” she added.
This function attracted two paramount chiefs—His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma (Umukhukha III of Bugisu) and Mr Peter Swilikei Kissa, the cultural leader of Sebei— who came to Lira at the invitation of the Paramount Chief of Lango, Eng Dr Michael Moses Odongo Okune.
The three traditional leaders were in the area ahead of the enthronement of Prof Willy Okullo as the Awitong (Clan Chief) of the Arak Okwero Yito Clan,on Saturday, May 3, 2025, in Otwal Sub-county, Oyam District. Prof Okullo is an associate professor of physics at Kyambogo University.
Minister Amongi underscored the the importance of cultural leaders in promoting economic transformation within their communities.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting cultural leaders, Mr Mudoma pledged their full support to government programmes for the good of their subjects .
On his part Sebei cultural leader Mr Kissa, asked Minister Amongi to remind the president to gazette the cultural institutions
“We exist because of the goodwill of the government and I think we are heading to a stronger community because culture is what defines a person.
And if we can strengthen culture, then we are going to strengthen our communities, and I think Uganda will be a stronger country,” he said
One time government suggested to give a monthly salary of Sh5million to each of the cultural leaders ,but Buganda Kingdom rejected this offer saying the Kabaka can facilitate himself once government clears outstanding debts in billions of shillings it owes the kingdom arising from unpaid rent .
Government recognises 17 traditional or cultural leaders. These leaders, including those from kingdoms like Buganda, Bunyoro, and Busoga, are recognised by the government and have certain privileges and benefits, according to The Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011.
The recognized cultural institutions are; Bunyoro, Toro, Buganda, Ker Alur, Busoga, Alur Kwong, Ker Acholi, Lango, Teso, Rwenzururu, Bunyala, Buruuli, Jopadhola, Bugisu, Ankole, and Kooki