{"id":4842,"date":"2025-07-30T07:17:08","date_gmt":"2025-07-30T07:17:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/govinfohub.go.ug\/?p=4842"},"modified":"2025-07-30T07:18:02","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T07:18:02","slug":"president-museveni-launches-historic-lwattamu-house-project-at-mengo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/govinfohub.go.ug\/index.php\/2025\/07\/30\/president-museveni-launches-historic-lwattamu-house-project-at-mengo\/","title":{"rendered":"President Museveni Launches Historic Lwattamu House Project at Mengo"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Fidel Boy Leon<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Friday, July 25, officially launched the construction of Lwattamu House, a landmark six-storey complex that will serve as the official headquarters, Embuga y\u2019Abataka, for Buganda\u2019s clan leaders at Mengo, Kampala.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The groundbreaking ceremony marked a significant moment in Uganda\u2019s cultural and national development, highlighting the President\u2019s enduring support for traditional institutions and his commitment to strengthening clan structures as part of the country\u2019s socio-cultural identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The six-floor structure will be built on 2.7 acres of prime land near Lubiri, purchased by the President for Shs 9.7 billion. The project was first pledged during a June 2024 meeting between President Museveni and the Bataka (clan heads) at State House, Entebbe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The facility will house 52 offices for clan leaders, providing a central hub for traditional governance. It will also feature business and banking halls, a museum, conference rooms, and lodging facilities, creating a multifunctional space that serves both administrative and public needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crucially, it will include income-generating elements designed to finance and sustain ongoing clan development initiatives. The project is expected to be completed within three years, with the Uganda People\u2019s Defence Forces (UPDF) Construction Brigade taking the lead on construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTherefore, I\u2019m very happy to support Bataka,\u201d the President said. \u201cWe shall organise the Shs 58 billion needed for the construction, and I will send the UPDF to carry out the work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his remarks, President Museveni reflected on his long-standing relationship with the Buganda Kingdom, recalling his first meeting with Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi in London in 1981, during his visit to Libya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI told him then that I saw no problem, as long as we are clear on who does what, between the new forces and the traditionalists,\u201d Museveni noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven in the bush, I defended traditional institutions. I persuaded the National Resistance Army council in Gulu to support, not oppose, clan systems.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The President spoke passionately about his historical interactions with Buganda\u2019s traditional figures, citing support from Kezrone Ssonko in Luwero, and visits to Omumbejja Nalinya Ndagire in Lubaga and Omulangira Badru Kakungulu in Kibuli before joining the liberation struggle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He also revisited the effects of the 1900 Buganda Agreement, noting how colonialism marginalised the Bataka. Museveni emphasised the importance of restoring not only kingdoms but also the clan leaders, who are the true custodians of Uganda\u2019s cultural fabric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The President commended Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, Minister of State for ICT, for being a vocal advocate for the Bataka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy sister, Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, came and spoke about the Bataka, like Omutaka Kibaale Nadduli, Omutaka Namuguzi, and Omutaka Kaita, whom I know very well,\u201d Museveni said. \u201cClan leaders are the bedrock of tradition. “Whether you have kings\u2026as seen in Karamoja or Ankole, the clan system remains active.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He further stressed that clan systems preserve both cultural identity and genetic diversity, playing a vital role in discouraging inbreeding and promoting societal cohesion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhile the government builds roads and electricity, clan leaders preserve our genetics, languages, and cultural values,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

President Museveni announced a package of support initiatives for the Bataka and related cultural projects:<\/p>\n\n\n\n