Government has today handed over 30 vehicles to 15 cultural leaders at Kololo ceremonial grounds. The vehicles were handed over to the leaders by the Vice President Jessica Alupo.
Each cultural leader was given a brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser V8 and a Toyota Hilux to support their Katikiro (prime minister or chief administrator).
Betty Amongi, the minister of Gender, said the vehicles aim to enhance the mobility, visibility, and service delivery of cultural leaders in their respective jurisdictions. The vehicles cost the taxpayers a total of Shs 12 billion (Each Toyota Land Cruiser V8 cost Shs 500 million while a Toyota Hilux cost Shs 300 million). [WATCH VIDEO]
Notably, the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, was the only cultural leader among the 15 who did not receive vehicles at this event.
Amongi said Buganda kingdom officials had told them it is against the norm “for the Kabaka to be looked after by the central government.”
However, Amongi later told journalists they had agreed with officials from Buganda in meetings that instead of being given cars, government gives Buganda money which they did.
Alupo, representing President Museveni at the event, emphasized the critical role of cultural leaders in preserving traditional sites such as palaces and burial grounds, and in promoting cultural tourism.
She highlighted their contributions to fostering peace, unity, and socio-economic transformation in their communities. Alupo reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting cultural leaders in these efforts.
