The Minister of Heritage, Palaces, Tombs, Tourism and Security, Anthony Wamala, has called upon members of Buganda clans—especially the Ngo (Leopard) Clan—to cherish their cultural heritage and actively participate in clan development by strengthening leadership structures and preserving cultural sites to attract younger generations.
Wamala made the remarks while attending a clan ritual ceremony (okulamaga) at the ancestral land of the Ngo Clan in Bukesa, Buteesaasira, Kalamba Sub-county, in Butambala County.
He emphasized the need for clans to mobilize their members, instill pride in clan affairs, safeguard ancestral land and establish income-generating projects to ensure financial sustainability.
“I appeal to the Ngo Clan to further strengthen its leadership structures because leadership is the pillar that every descendant relies on. If we want to raise funds, we should encourage descendants to contribute small, manageable amounts willingly and without coercion,” Wamala said.
The minister also condemned the alleged use of excessive force by some security personnel against Buganda citizens, particularly during the ongoing political season as aspirants seek leadership positions.
He stressed that violence benefits no one and reminded members of the Ngo Clan that security personnel are part of the same communities, urging dialogue to address misconduct.
The Hereditary Chief of the Ngo Clan, Omutaka Muteesaasira Tendo Keeya Henry Namuyimbwa II, said preservation of culture begins with peace and stability within families.
He strongly condemned domestic conflicts among Baganda households, noting that harmony at family level forms the foundation of a strong and resilient Buganda Kingdom.
“Peace in Muganda homes strengthens Buganda as a whole. When families are stable, the clans grow stronger and can effectively drive development,” he said.
Muteesaasira further cautioned that while technology has become widespread among Baganda youth, including members of the Ngo Clan, descendants must remain rooted in cultural values and traditions wherever they may be.
The Katikkiro of the Ngo Clan, Kalyango Nelson Kaseenene, pledged to reinforce leadership structures beginning at the household level. He reaffirmed the clan’s commitment to standing with every Ngo member in times of joy and sorrow, while prioritizing socio-economic development, particularly financial empowerment.
Meanwhile, Ssenabulya Evans, the clan treasurer and Kyaddondo County representative in the Buganda Lukiiko, revealed that the clan is still pursuing efforts to reclaim its land, with plans to establish a school to support clan activities and generate income.
Butambala County Chief, Hajji Sulaiman Magala, expressed optimism that if clan ritual ceremonies (okulamaga) are well organized and widely embraced across Buganda, they would significantly contribute to development within clans and the Kingdom at large.
The event brought together clan leaders, elders and members, reaffirming a shared commitment to cultural preservation, unity and sustainable development within Buganda’s clan system.