MUSEVENI URGES CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS TO LEAD IN POVERTY ERADICATION

Vice President Jessica Alupo His Royal Highness Kwar Adhola Moses Stephen Owor and other officials cut the cake during the Silver Jubilee coronation celebrations. Nile Post Photo.
 
NILE POST

President Museveni has called upon cultural institutions across Uganda to take an active role in eradicating poverty and promoting self-reliance among citizens.

This message was conveyed by Vice President Jessica Alupo during the Silver Jubilee coronation celebrations of His Royal Highness Kwar Adhola Moses Stephen Owor. The event was held on Wednesday at Achilet Primary School playgrounds in Tororo District. "I congratulate the Japadhola people on reaching this significant milestone. This event highlights the enduring legacy of the Padhola institutions, established under the NRM leadership," Museveni said.

"The government has empowered cultural institutions to significantly contribute to the development of their people. We have long championed poverty eradication and self-reliance through initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC). It is imperative that all Ugandans actively participate in the money economy," the President added.

Museveni urged stakeholders in cultural institutions to become advocates of the NRM's vision of hard work and self-reliance. He emphasised the need to foster peaceful living, combat corruption, and cultivate integrity among the populace. Additionally, he called for youth engagement in government skilling programs to ensure the country's future prosperity.

Vice President Alupo echoed the importance of unity and Pan-Africanism. “This ceremony speaks volumes, a clear demonstration that colonial boundaries have been dismantled. We must embrace Pan-Africanism, leveraging our collective market of over 1.4 billion people.” She stressed that unity is essential for development, urging Ugandans to focus on common goals rather than divisions.  “Unity is paramount. It is the cornerstone of development. Let’s focus on what unites us.”

Alupo also highlighted the importance of practical politics that yield tangible results for the people. She urged leaders to utilize programs like PDM and Emyooga to uplift their communities and concentrate on transformative changes that benefit the region.

The NRM Secretary General, Rt Hon Richard Todwong, underscored the critical role of cultural institutions in societal development. "The NRM party is proud to grant freedom to cultural and religious institutions, recognizing their vital role alongside the government. Religion, culture, and government are the three pillars upon which society stands. These pillars must work together in harmony."

Todwong emphasized that through cultural institutions, messages of wealth creation can effectively reach families.He noted that both religion and government derive their strength from the family, which serves as the bedrock of culture. He congratulated the Japadhola people on their cultural achievements and expressed gratitude for their collaboration with the government.

Representing the Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Betty Amongi, the Minister of State for Disability, Hon. Asamo Hellen Grace, highlighted the importance of cultural identity and the role of youth in driving development. “A nation without culture lacks identity. Let’s leverage Uganda’s diverse cultures to promote positive values and practices that drive development,” she said.

The Minister called for collaboration between the government and cultural institutions to ensure the NRM manifesto is fully implemented, particularly in fighting corruption. She encouraged young people to innovate and tackle youth unemployment, and stressed the importance of restoring fathers to their familial roles, using cultural structures to unite families.

Moses Stephen Kwar Adhola Owor expressed his gratitude to President Museveni for his leadership and guidance. “I am grateful to the President for his guidance, which has led to the achievements we've secured. By following his advice, the Japadhola have proven that we can serve our nation in various capacities.”