Africa-Press – Uganda. The Ndere Cultural Centre, a prominent cultural institution in Uganda, is facing a deepening financial crisis following the collapse of a government bailout deal.
The crisis stems from a Shs 10.8 billion debt owed to the Uganda Development Bank, originating from a 2019 loan.
Recovery proceedings have resumed after the Ministry of Finance retracted a promised bailout initially pledged in December 2024 a move that has spotlighted the growing tension between cultural preservation and economic accountability.
The crisis comes despite longstanding government acknowledgment of the importance of institutions like Ndere.
Historical data from Uganda’s National Cultural Policy (2006) underscores the role of cultural centers in fostering national identity.
Yet, a 2021 World Bank report on Uganda found that only 15% of cultural projects receive sustained government funding, pointing to systemic neglect that may now be contributing to Ndere’s financial troubles.
Stephen Rwangyezi, the founder and director of Ndere Cultural Centre, has worked to keep the institution afloat through tourism and live performances.
However, his efforts are now being strained by the bank’s aggressive debt recovery campaign a situation that mirrors broader regional challenges.
A 2023 study published in the Journal of African Cultural Studies highlights how cultural institutions across East Africa often operate without robust financial safeguards, leaving them vulnerable to economic pressure.
As Uganda continues to balance economic reform with cultural development, the Ndere case is emerging as a powerful symbol of what can be lost when cultural heritage is left without structural support.
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