Africa-Press – Uganda. Uganda will mark International Museum Day (IMD) 2025 with a national celebration in Kabale Municipality on Sunday, May 18.
The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, has announced that this year’s theme is “Preserving Heritage, Transforming Communities,” aligning with global efforts to highlight the evolving role of museums in community development.
Kabale, located in the heart of the Kigezi sub-region in Southwestern Uganda, was chosen for its strong cultural roots, scenic landscapes, and growing tourism appeal.
The celebration will feature a series of free public events, including traditional performances, museum tours, exhibitions, and school outreach activities designed to engage and educate.
State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, said the government is committed to enhancing Uganda’s museum infrastructure and experiences as a key component of tourism.
He confirmed that renovations at the Uganda Museum are now 64% complete, with full reopening expected in October.
“The resources are available, and the project is on track. It will be much better—more comprehensive and more attractive to both Ugandans and foreigners,” Mugarra said.
The Minister pointed to growing interest in cultural tourism both within and outside Uganda as a driving force behind government investment in museums. He cited recent developments in Moroto, Soroti, and Kabale, noting that these initiatives are part of a broader push to promote cultural preservation and economic transformation.
“We’re already developing a museum in Moroto. Last year we unveiled one in Soroti, and this year we will visit the museum in Kabale. These developments are a sign of our continued investment,” he said.
To connect with younger audiences, the Ministry has embraced creative media formats like animation and digital storytelling.
“We’ve partnered with creatives to showcase ancestral stories through cartoons and animation. This helps young people engage with our heritage on platforms they understand and enjoy,” Mugarra added.
This year’s IMD celebrations in Kabale will include performances by musicians like Fik Fameica, cultural icons such as Moses Golola, and a mix of music, dance, and storytelling.
“People often think museums are boring—just old artefacts and forgotten stories. But we’re changing that perception. This year’s celebrations will be vibrant and interactive. We’re creating a cultural cocktail that blends tradition with modern appeal,” the Minister said.
The Ministry is also deepening its collaboration with cultural institutions across Uganda. These include the Buganda and Bunyoro Kingdoms, the Imbalu Festival in Mbale, and heritage showcases in Karamoja.
“We are working closely with kingdoms and communities to project our culture to the world. We want these cultural sites to be not only sources of pride but also economic engines for communities—just as this year’s theme suggests,” Mugarra noted.
He further observed that cultural tourism is quickly becoming one of Uganda’s most dynamic sectors.
“Culture is currently the fastest growing tourism product. It might soon surpass even wildlife in popularity. That’s why the government is heavily investing in cultural sites. We recently launched a historical site where Kabaka Mwanga and Omukama Kabalega were captured,” he said.
Calling on Ugandans to take ownership of their heritage, Mugarra urged citizens to engage with their culture more actively.
“We are nothing without our culture—absolutely nothing. Let us embrace our identity, celebrate our history, and support these initiatives. Together, we can make our heritage more accessible, more appealing, and more meaningful to all,” he said.
The theme, “Preserving Heritage, Transforming Communities” is rooted in the International Council of Museums (ICOM) global focus, “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,” and reflects the role of museums in strengthening cultural resilience amid social and economic changes.
This year’s event also supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth, and SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities.
Museums are increasingly recognised for their contribution to local economies, job creation, and inclusive development.
Since its inception in 1977, International Museum Day has served as a platform to highlight the importance of museums globally.
In Uganda, it is a moment to promote education, cultural dialogue, and national unity—offering a shared space for learning, reflection, and celebration.
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