President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has challenged cultural institutions to work closely with the central government in promoting and preserving indigenous languages, describing language and culture as areas that have received insufficient attention.
Museveni made the remarks today during the coronation of the new King of Tooro, Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal, where he called on cultural leaders to take a more active role in passing indigenous languages and traditions on to younger generations. The ceremony formally installed Nyabongo I as the 13th Omukama of Tooro.
The President said indigenous languages cannot be preserved through the formal education system alone, arguing that cultural institutions have an important role to play in ensuring communities maintain their linguistic identity.
He said the responsibility of preserving indigenous languages should not be left entirely to schools, noting that cultural leaders are better placed to mobilize communities and promote the use of local languages in everyday life.
Museveni also identified culture as another area he believes has not received adequate attention, citing the role previously played by cultural institutions in organizing activities aimed at promoting cultural identity.
The President’s remarks come amid continued discussions about the role of cultural institutions in preserving Uganda’s diverse heritage, including indigenous languages, traditions, customs and cultural practices.
He urged cultural leaders to work with the government to ensure that cultural values are passed on to younger generations while also adapting cultural activities to the changing needs of society.
The coronation at Karuziika Palace brought together cultural leaders, government officials, religious leaders and members of the Tooro community for the formal installation of Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I following the death of his predecessor, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, on August 27, 2026.
During the coronation service of His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I at St. John’s Cathedral in Fort-portal, the Ruwenzori Diocesan Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Reuben Kisembo Amooti challenged the newly crowned King to prioritize accountability, transparency and proper management of the Kingdom’s resources.
He explained that the King was bound by his Anglican faith which emphasises monogamy.
In his maiden speech, the Omukama Nyabongo I, who observed a moment of silence to the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, asked his subjects to rise up on their feet in tribute of the fallen King.
He thanked the Babiito and other clans in the Tooro for entrusting him with the Tooro Kingdom throne and pledged to work closely with the government of Uganda, religious leaders and all other cultural institutions in a bid to cause general development in Tooro Kingdom.
The Omusuuga, who acknowledged assuming all the authority after the demise of King Oyo until today when he officially handed over to Edward Rukidi Nyabongo1 the new King, applauded the 21- member committee which did a tremendous job after twining up their heads by coming up with someone whom they felt would be loved to the expectations of the people of Tooro.
President Museveni earlier on supported Tooro Kingdom with 800 million to support them in the coronation function and gifted the new King with 100 Ankole cows. The function was attended by heads of different cultural institutions including Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu led by her premier, the Rt. Hon. Benson Kule Baritazale. ENDS