BY ANDAMA MOSES
IN HOIMA CITY—-
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The President of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has said promoting the consumption of traditional food is important for human health.
Speaking at the 31st coronation anniversary of the king of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Omukama Solomon Gafaabusa Iguru I (Honoris Causa) at Karuziika Royal Palace in Hoima city this afternoon, the president expressed concern that unfortunately many people are abandoning traditional food in favour of modern foodstuff like rice and bread which add little to their wellbeing.
He advised people to embrace traditional foods like cassava (muhogo), bananas (ebitooke), millet (oburo) and potatoes which greatly contribute to body growth and strength.
Just like a nutritionist, Mr Museveni wondered that some people have adopted a life depending on processed foods like bread which have less value compared with original foods.
He attributed his longevity to eating organic foods.
“Indigenous food including milk is more important,” he said.
Meanwhile, president Museveni on the other hand challenged cultural leaders to effectively play their role towards promoting traditions and culture including food and language.
“I restored cultural institutions to ensure that our cultures and languages are conserved. Cultural institutions must focus on preserving indigenous languages because modern governments mostly use English and Kiswahili. If you don’t take it up, who will teach your people their languages?” he challenged.
“I am 80 years old as you all know and this is because I feed on traditional foods like cassava, bananas, potatoes, karo and milk, the president continued.
It was at the same event that president Museveni cautioned kingdoms to take an apolitical stance saying Uganda is a democratic country where people elect leaders of their choice.
In his speech, president Museveni also sympathised with the ailing Omukama of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, His Highness Iguru, 76, for his prolonged illness.
“I have met him and noted that he is unwell,” he said.
Mr Andrew Kirungi Byakutaaga, the Prime Minister of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom in office, lauded president Museveni for considering to name Kabaleega International Airport after the fallen great king of Bunyoro.
In the same vein, he appealed to the president to consider renaming Lake Albert back to its original Runyoro name ‘Mwitanzige’ as a way of promoting culture. Mr Byakutaaga made the same prayers over Murchison Falls National Park to be recalled Kabaleega National Park.
Omukama Iguru did not take part in the celebrations due to ill health and this is the sixth time missing to perform the Empango rituals. The Omukama last performed the rituals in 2019 during the silver jubilee celebrations at Karuziika Royal Palace in Hoima.