The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has called on Ugandans to take pride in their cultural identities, warning that continued reliance on colonial-era narratives has undermined African unity and self-awareness.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Mbarara School of Science and Technology in Mbarara, where he addressed members of the Baganda Nkobazambogo Students Association, Mayiga said the erosion of African culture was not accidental but part of a deliberate strategy used during colonial rule to weaken indigenous societies.
“In the past 20 to 30 years, there has been a need to revive our cultural heritage because foreigners deliberately undermined it to dominate us. They did not come to civilize us—we were already civilized, but in a different way from theirs,” he said.
Mayiga argued that Europe’s technological advancement was shaped by environmental pressures that drove innovation, while Africa’s slower communication systems at the time contributed to developmental disparities that later enabled foreign domination.
He, however, said Africa is now undergoing a cultural and intellectual awakening, urging educated Africans to reconnect with their roots and take responsibility for preserving cultural identity.
“A person in the 21st century who does not understand their culture is like a fish that cannot swim. Education is not just about speaking English, but about understanding your environment and way of life,” he said.
Mayiga emphasised that true education goes beyond academic qualifications and should include practical life skills and cultural grounding. He warned that ignoring one’s cultural identity results in incomplete personal development.
Using Uganda as an example, he described the country as a diverse “colourful bird,” saying its strength lies in the coexistence of different ethnic communities.
“If Uganda is to become the Pearl of Africa, each individual must take pride in who they are—whether Munyankole, Mukiga, Musoga, Muganda, or otherwise. This does not divide us; it strengthens us because we are not in competition but coexistence,” he said.
Mayiga encouraged young people to engage in cultural associations such as Nkobazambogo, saying such platforms help individuals understand their origins and values, which are critical for building responsible citizens.
He further noted that Africans cannot abandon their identity regardless of education or exposure abroad.
“No matter how educated we become, we cannot become something we are not. If you do not know your culture or your roots, you are no different from a fish that cannot swim,” he said.
