In a high-profile ceremony at Kololo ceremonial grounds, the Ugandan government on Tuesday handed over 30 brand-new vehicles to 15 cultural leaders across the country.
The fleet, which includes 15 Toyota Land Cruiser V8s and 15 Toyota Hilux pickups, was officially presented by Vice President Jessica Alupo on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni.
Each cultural institution received two vehicles one designated for the cultural leader and another for their Katikiro (prime minister or chief administrator).
According to Gender Minister Betty Amongi, the initiative is aimed at enhancing the leaders’ mobility, public engagement, and overall service delivery within their communities.
The vehicle donation came at a cost of Shs12 billion to taxpayers. Each Land Cruiser V8 was priced at approximately Shs500 million, while each Hilux pickup cost about Shs300 million.
However, the ceremony was marked by the notable absence of the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II—the only leader among the 15 officially recognized cultural heads who did not receive any vehicles.
Minister Amongi explained the omission, stating that officials from the Buganda Kingdom had communicated that it is against their custom “for the Kabaka to be looked after by the central government.”
The Kabaka’s exclusion may reignite public discussion around the longstanding, and often delicate, relationship between the Buganda Kingdom and the central government particularly on matters such as land governance and autonomy.
Speaking at the handover, Vice President Alupo praised the vital role cultural leaders play in preserving traditional heritage sites, including palaces and royal burial grounds. She also emphasized their contributions to promoting cultural tourism, fostering peace and unity, and driving socio-economic transformation in their regions.
Alupo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting cultural institutions as key pillars in national development.
