Kampala, Uganda – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued a stern caution to Uganda’s cultural leaders, urging them to steer clear of partisan politics and allow the electoral processes to be determined solely by the people.
The President made the remarks during the 31st coronation of Omukama Solomon Iguru, reiterating the constitutional role of traditional institutions and warning against their increasing involvement in political matters.
“You cannot be a cultural leader and a political actor at the same time. That is confusion. The people must be left to choose their leaders freely without interference from traditional authorities,” Museveni said.
The President’s statement comes amid growing concern over the visible alignment of some cultural figures with political parties, especially as Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections.
President Museveni emphasized that cultural institutions are meant to unify people across political lines and should not be used as platforms for promoting partisan interests.
“These kingdoms and cultural structures were restored to promote identity, not to become new political parties. I will not tolerate any cultural institution that forgets its core mandate,” he warned.
While the President did not name any specific individuals or kingdoms, his message was widely interpreted as a reaction to recent events in some regions where cultural heads have been openly associated with political actors.
Museveni’s remarks have sparked debate online and within political circles. Supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) praised the caution, saying it protects national unity. Critics, however, argued that the state has historically co-opted cultural figures for political advantage, making the President’s warning seem selective.
As the country edges closer to the next general election cycle, President Museveni’s message sets the tone for what is likely to be a tightly controlled political environment, especially regarding influential societal figures.
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