President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Henry Lutwama as Special Presidential Assistant and Coordinator of Bataka Affairs in Buganda, a role that places him at the heart of the government’s engagement with the kingdom’s traditional leaders.
The appointment, effective immediately, comes at a time when strengthening cultural and community ties is seen as critical to regional cohesion.
The decision, confirmed in a letter from the Ministry of Public Service, follows Article 172(1)(a) of the Constitution and the advice of the Public Service Commission. Lutwama will now serve as the main liaison between the Presidency and the Bataka — Buganda’s clan leaders who are considered custodians of the kingdom’s heritage, customs, and governance systems.
Expressing gratitude, Lutwama said he is committed to fostering dialogue and preserving cultural identity. “I am grateful to His Excellency the President for the confidence placed in me. I look forward to engaging respectfully with all stakeholders so that our cultural heritage continues to contribute to peace, unity, and socio-economic development,” he said.
Before this appointment, Lutwama served as Political Assistant to the State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, with a focus on political mobilisation and public engagement. He also held leadership positions at Kampala Capital City Authority, where he spearheaded community development initiatives.
Observers note that Lutwama’s appointment is strategic, aimed at strengthening coordination between the government and traditional institutions. Since Museveni’s early years in power, the Bataka have played a central role in mediating between the state and the Buganda Kingdom — including during the restoration of the monarchy in 1992.
By positioning an experienced political operator at the interface of tradition and governance, the Presidency signals its intent to maintain strong, mutually beneficial ties with Buganda’s cultural leaders, ensuring that heritage, community development, and government priorities move hand in hand.
