The Value of Respecting Cultural Diversity

Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II
36th King of Buganda

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognizes Cultural Diversity for its intrinsic value in development as well as social cohesion and peace.

In fact May 21st is the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development!

President Museveni must have unwittingly realized this UNESCO recognized intrinsic value in restoring the traditional institutions in Uganda. The recent crisis with the Buganda Kingdom should therefore be an opportunity for dialogue rather than retribution and recrimination.

Major General Kahinda Otafiire was therefore, wrong for warning the president against the restoration of traditional institutions.
What the president characterizes as chauvinism is in essence cultural pride. But what tribe in Uganda is not proud of its culture? If thats the standard, then chauvinism is an equal opportunity tribal trait.


The two institutions: the central government and the traditional institutions need each other for the sake of peace, development and economic prosperity in Uganda!

"Aboluganda bita, olumu bikonagana," is an old Luganda proverb meaning: "Relatives are like calabashes, sometimes they clash!"

Traditional institutions should be a source of pride not consternation!

We are all Ugandans, with a rich diversity of cultures which should be a source of strength rather than a threat.

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