Nabagereka urges Ugandans to embrace “Obuntubulamu” as a way of life

The revitalization of “Obuntu Bulamu,” spearheaded by the Nabagereka Development Foundation and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has brought together cultural institutions from Buganda, Acholi, Jopadhola, Alur, Bunyoro, and Busoga, as well as religious organizations.

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Ugandans from all walks of life have been encouraged to embrace the “Obuntubulamu” tradition, a value system emphasizing respect, compassion, and community interconnectedness. This call was reinforced by Vice President Jessica Alupo over the weekend during the launch of a nationwide program aimed at reviving these values in Ugandan society.

Alupo, represented by the Minister of Gender, Labor, and Social Development, Betty Amongi, highlighted that the values of collaboration, kindness, and mutual respect are essential for personal and societal growth. She noted that although modernization has brought progress, it has also undermined these traditions, replacing them with greed, individualism, and unhealthy competition.

She stressed, “We should not abandon our values simply because we live in a different age. We should only drop what is harmful and no longer helpful, while upholding what is valuable. We should not adopt modernity for its own sake, rather we do so because we feel these values will make our lives better.”

OBUNTUBULAMU VALUES ;
Leadership
Honesty
Trustworthiness
Sense of self respect
Self reliance @BugandaOfficial @bbstvug @cpmayiga @MarthaByabagamb @AUSA_Makerere @BavuleOfficial https://t.co/9yFuxb4mjH pic.twitter.com/8yf399nOg6

— CHIEF LABOUR AFFAIRS, EXTERNAL LABOUR POWER HOUSE (@owere_usher) September 22, 2024

The revitalization of “Obuntubulamu,” spearheaded by the Nabagereka Development Foundation and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has brought together cultural institutions from Buganda, Acholi, Alur, Jopadhola, Bunyoro, and Busoga, as well as religious organizations.

Nabagereka Sylvia Nagginda of Buganda underscored the importance of merging traditional values with contemporary ones to address development challenges.

She said, “Revival of Obuntubulamu is one of the pathways to fostering a culture that promotes peace, integrity, and sustainable development.” Alupo announced the government’s commitment to integrating “Obuntubulamu” into its structures and institutions, promoting peace, integrity, and sustainable development. Nabagereka Nagginda added that these values, which foster social justice, equality, and environmental responsibility, are central to addressing issues like corruption, climate change, and inclusive development.

“These values and ethical standards, if well understood and adopted, will go a long way in delivering impactful results in our society. It will be easier to address social challenges such as corruption, climate change, environmental degradation, accountability, responsible citizenship, and inclusive development.”

Nwane Vwede Obahor, the UNDP Resident Representative, emphasized that “Obuntubulamu” aligns with international goals, particularly the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He pointed out that this philosophy is akin to the broader African concept of Ubuntu, which promotes community, cooperation, and recognizing the humanity in others. Ultimately, “Obuntubulamu” encourages empathy, care, and solidarity, fostering harmony and sustainable growth within society.

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