Former military general David Sejusa has urged the people of Tooro to avoid divisions and anger, warning that internal conflicts could weaken the kingdom’s cultural institution and create consequences that may be difficult to reverse.
In a statement, Sejusa called on Batooro to unite around what they have, while cautioning different sides against exploiting each other’s vulnerabilities.
“Tooro needs to tone down on anger, reject the divisions, unite around what they have, and avoid exploiting the vulnerabilities of either side,” Sejusa said.
He warned that continued confrontation could push Tooro towards a situation similar to what he described as the experience of Ankole, where divisions have affected the cultural institution.
“But if they recklessly overplay their hand, whichever side one may be, ‘ni gatikira kimu’ to a point of no return, the Ankole way,” he said.
Sejusa’s remarks come amid broader discussions about the role and vulnerability of traditional cultural institutions in Uganda and their relationship with the modern state.
He argued that African traditional kingdoms and cultural institutions established or restored after independence operate within legal and political structures largely controlled by the state.
“You must understand that the African post-independence traditional cultural institutions (Kingdoms) are very fragile,” he said.
According to Sejusa, the institutions retain strong emotional and cultural significance among their communities, but their formal legal existence, security and access to resources remain dependent on the authority of the state.
He described the institutions as having undergone what he termed “neo-colonial re-engineering”, arguing that this has affected their independence and institutional strength.
Sejusa further claimed that political elites can use traditional institutions for their own interests, a situation he said communities need to recognise when navigating internal disagreements.
His comments also drew on his experience discussing the history of the Ankole cultural institution.
He said he recently addressed the issue during the burial of Prince Christopher Kabirisi, whom he identified as the great-grandson of Omugabe Mutambuka of Nkore.
At the ceremony, Sejusa said he spoke about the impact divisions in Ankole have had on its cultural institution and what he described as a decline in aspects of the Ankole cultural landscape.
He cited language and traditions among areas affected by the divisions.
Sejusa urged Batooro to reflect on the experience of Ankole as they address their own internal differences.
His message places emphasis on unity and preservation of cultural identity while also highlighting the constitutional and political realities under which traditional institutions operate in contemporary Uganda.