The International Museum Day was launched by Hon. Martin Bahinduka Mugarra, the minister of state for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA), on Tuesday April 15, at the Media Centre in Kampala.
The day will be celebrated on May 18, in Kabale Municipality under a theme; “Preserving Heritage, Transforming Communities.”
According to Ms. Jackline Besigye Nyirachiza, the Ag. Commissioner for Museums and Monuments, the theme is derived from that of the International Council of Museums, “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.”
“Since 1997, all museums in the world participate in this day to promote the role of museums around the world, by organizing enjoyable and free activities around the year’s theme,” she noted.
The commissioner further echoed the government’s commitment to developing museums and monuments across the country, as one way to diversify the tourism products in the country in order to realize the 10-fold revenue targeted from the Tourism sector.
Meanwhile, on his part, Minister Mugarra revealed that this year’s Museum day celebrations will be preceded by a buffet of activities fused with Explore Kigezi tourism campaign.
“The major objective is to raise awareness on the role of museums services as an important place for disseminating knowledge about history, culture, environment and Arts,” Mugarra expressed. He added that through cultural knowledge dissemination, museums provide platforms for cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.
This year’s theme resonates with the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development goal 8, by supporting local economies, creating employment opportunities and offering educational programs that empower communities. Museums also contribute to sustainable urban development by acting as cultural hubs that promote inclusion, resilience and heritage preservation.
Kick-boxer Moses Golola has again, been coated to spur this year’s Museum day celebrations. He will be flanked by singer Shafik Walukagga popularly known as Fik Fameica, gospel singer Herbert Twinamatsiko, Gabi Ntaate among other social influencers.
Gospel Singer Herbert Twinamatsiko said Museums store cultural artifacts and bear thousands of ancient and cultural tales. “To this, many people are always confused to think that culture and religion do not collate. We therefore, join this campaign as gospel artists to tell that God is never against culture,” he rallied.
Mr. Stephen Masaba, a senior manager for tourism development under Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) emphasized the need to complement efforts in tourism promotion as well as diversification of the tourism products.
“Therefore, as we sell the wildlife among other natural endowments of the Pearl of Africa, we should remain cognizant of the fact that many tourists are also interested in our natural heritage and whatever the museums have got to offer,” Masaba expressed.
He also noted that several wildlife areas have cultural significance to which they were gazette as UNESCO sites such as; Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mt. Elgon National Park, Pian UPe Wildlife reserve among others.
The planned activities for this year’s Museum day include; 15th April 2025; Media Briefing on the International Museums Day at the Media Centre; Kampala.
28th April – 4th May; with USAGA (Uganda Safari Guides Association) training on “Basic Cultural heritage in Kigezi region for Tour Guides” in Kabale Town.
6th May, 2025; a National Cultural Heritage Conference at Hotel Africana in Kampala. The focus of the conference is on “Culture as a tool for Empowering Communities and Future Generations.”
12th to 14th May 2025; Museum Fair by ICOM-Uganda at Emin Pasha Hotel, Kampala
15th- 16th May 2025; the school’s heritage quiz, competitions for primary and secondary schools in Kigezi sub region at Kabale University.
16th – 19th May, 2025; Explore Kigezi Farmiliarization Trip to start from Kampala to Kisoro and hold Heritage Concert Night on 18th May, 2025 at Kabale Municipal Stadium
16th May 2025 (Morning), Corporate Social Responsibility with the Local government and partners in Kabale Town.
17th May 2025, Sports gala at Kabale University Play Grounds.
17th May 2025 (Evening), Camp fire and bull roasting.
18th May 2025; the Main Celebration Day at Kabale Stadium. This will be preceded by a brass band from Kabale Regional Museum Kabale Stadium.
This celebration not only commemorates the importance of museums as repositories of knowledge but also serves as a platform for fostering curiosity, critical thinking and dialogue; understanding, and appreciation among communities.
