The government of Uganda has tabled a bill to provide conditions for the operation of cultural leaders in Uganda.
King of Buganda, Muwenda Mutebi
The Bill was presented by the Minister of State for Culture Rukia Nakadama who said it is aimed at providing for the operation of cultural institutions and to avoid conflicts between cultural institutions and the government.
Among others, the bill provides that traditional leaders shall not join on participate in partisan politics, will not exercise any administrative or legislative duties and that no Ugandan should be compelled to contribute to the maintenance of a cultural leader.
The bill also proposes that a cultural leader shall not deal with any foreigner without approval of the minister of foreign affairs, and that the government can at any time withdraw its recognition of a cultural leader if not satisfied with their activities.
The bill has attracted severe criticism from traditional leaders. Apollo Makubuya, Buganda Kingdom minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs says the bill is detrimental to the country and spells an end to cultural institutions which are treasured by many Ugandans.