Ahead of the commemoration of International Museums Day 2023, the tourism sector has reported a challenge of encroachment on some of the heritage sites by local communities and the destruction of historical memorial buildings and monuments.

According to the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Col. (Rtd) Tom Butime, museums should be recognized as key contributors to the well-being and sustainable development of our communities. He also noted that museums help in the preservation of culture by providing information to the young generation.

Tourism is one of the leading contributors to Uganda’s foreign exchange inflows and therefore it is of strategic importance for the socio-economic transformation of the country in line with the Uganda Vision 2040.

The challenge, however, remains the failure of some Ugandans to appreciate this fact. Tourism sector stakeholders, both from the public and private sectors, are concerned that many Ugandans are yet to appreciate the need to safeguard the invaluable contribution of museums and heritage sites to Uganda’s tourism sector.

Col. (Rtd) Tom Butime, the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities noted with deep concern that some people undermine the importance of historical memorial buildings and monuments yet such facilities are highly valued in other places, especially in Western countries.

The Hon. Butime said that the failure to preserve the country’s fossils and heritage is harming the tourism sector in ways that many Ugandans are yet to appreciate.

Museums and monuments appear to be the outlier among Uganda’s tourism attractions in favour of national game parks and wildlife reserves which seem to be more popular and widely promoted. But these antiques are also quite valuable.   

According to Part XXV of the National Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, the State and citizens must endeavour to preserve, protect, and promote the culture of preservation of public property and Uganda’s heritage.

The Hon. Butime reminded Ugandans that the Museums and Monument Act 2023, caters for public-private partnerships and the involvement of the public in the development and cultural heritage conservation as well as allowing museum spaces to be used for dialogue and education.

The International Museums Day is observed annually on 18th May and is coordinated by the International Council of Museums (ICOM). The day provides important recognition of Museums as key contributors to the well-being and sustainable development of our communities. This year’s national celebration will be held at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City, northern Uganda sub-region under the national theme, ”Museums, Our Heritage.”

Mary Prima Awor