Former army commander Gen David Sejusa has raised concern over the gradual loss of Uganda’s cultural identity, warning that local languages, traditions and customs could disappear if communities fail to preserve them.
Sejusa made the remarks during the burial of Lay Canon Christopher Kabirisi, where he called for greater efforts to protect Uganda’s cultural heritage and pass it on to younger generations.
To illustrate cultural differences, Sejusa recalled attending an interracial wedding involving his friend George, who had married a Korean woman. He said that while seated at the high table, guests were served unfamiliar food and he later discovered that the meat was dog meat, which is eaten in some cultures.
Sejusa said the experience made him reflect on how different cultures are increasingly mixing through globalisation and interracial marriages. He stressed that while Ugandans can embrace other cultures, they should not abandon their own traditions and languages.
He particularly warned about the possible decline of the Ankole culture and Runyankore language, saying younger generations must be encouraged to learn and use their traditional languages. He also called on President Yoweri Museveni to consider restoring a traditional leadership structure for Ankole.
Sejusa further criticised what he described as changing funeral practices, arguing that some traditional forms of mourning are being replaced by celebrations. He said traditional practices once demonstrated deep respect and grief for the deceased.
The former general urged cultural institutions, families and leaders to take deliberate steps to preserve Uganda’s heritage, warning that failure to do so could leave future generations disconnected from their cultural identity.
