Kings and Cultural Leaders Convene in Mbale to Foster Unity and Support National Development

Mbale, Uganda | May 10, 2025 — In a significant step toward fostering cultural unity and advancing national development, a high-level consultative meeting of Kings and Cultural Leaders representing five traditional institutions took place today at the prestigious Mbale Resort Hotel in Mbale City. The historic gathering brought together revered custodians of culture from the Bugisu, Teso, Lango, Bugwe, and Sebei communities, underscoring the critical role of cultural institutions in Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

The meeting was graced by distinguished traditional leaders, including:

HRH Jude Mike Mudoma, Umukuuka wa Bugisu

HRH Paul Sande Emoloit, Emorimor of Teso

HRH Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune, Won Nyaci me Lango

HRH Obara Robert, Omwenengo wa Bugwe

HRH Peter Swilikei Kissa, Cultural Leader of Sebei

The leaders convened with the objective of deepening cooperation and unity among their institutions, while promoting peace, heritage preservation, and alignment with Uganda’s national development goals. The meeting served as a platform for dialogue and reaffirmation of shared values among Uganda’s traditional leadership.

In their joint communique, the Kings and Cultural Leaders expressed heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency Gen. (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, for his steadfast commitment to recognizing and supporting cultural institutions as integral partners in governance and development.

“We are deeply grateful to His Excellency for his Pan-African vision and inclusive leadership, which continues to empower our communities and uphold our cultural values,” said HRH Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune.

The leaders also lauded the efforts of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, under the leadership of Hon. Betty Amongi Ongom, for effectively managing cultural and heritage affairs across the country. They praised the ministry’s inclusive approach and initiatives aimed at strengthening cultural identity and promoting the welfare of traditional institutions.

Special recognition was extended to HRH Isabaruli Mwantyansozi Mwogeza Sabaruli, Chairperson of the Kings and Cultural Leaders Forum, for his tireless coordination and advocacy on behalf of traditional leaders across Uganda.

The consultative meeting concluded with a series of resolutions aimed at strengthening the role of traditional leadership in Uganda’s future:

Consolidating unity and collaboration among Kings and Cultural Leaders to address shared challenges and opportunities.

Promoting calm and peace across their respective regions, especially during the upcoming election period.

Supporting government programs that aim at socio-economic transformation, including poverty alleviation, education, and health initiatives.

Aligning cultural institutions with the Pan-African ideology championed by President Museveni to promote regional integration and African identity.

The Kings and Cultural Leaders collectively reaffirmed their unwavering dedication to guiding their communities with wisdom, dignity, and a sense of shared destiny. They emphasized the importance of cultural heritage as a pillar of unity and progress in Uganda.

“This meeting marks a new era of coordinated cultural leadership,” said HRH Jude Mike Mudoma. “Together, we shall continue to be torchbearers of peace, tradition, and development.”

The Mbale consultative meeting sets a precedent for future engagements and collaborative action among Uganda’s traditional institutions, reinforcing their indispensable role in the country’s development journey.