VP Ssekandi says Da Vinci exhibition will help sell Uganda abroad

Vice President, Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi has applauded the Italian government for extending the annual Leonardo da Vinci exhibition to Uganda that he said will help sell Uganda abroad.

Ssekandi made the remarks on Monday during the opening ceremony of the exhibition and the Italian cultural and culinary week at the Uganda Museum in Kampala.

“I must thank the Italian government for choosing Uganda as one of the two Sub Saharan countries to host the exhibition. It will give massive visibility for Uganda,”Ssekandi said.

He said the exhibition presents its self as a distinctive way of promoting the country’s tourism by giving chance to people from other countries to come and view the art pieces but also visit Uganda.

Describing Da Vinci as a genius of literature, astronomy and engineering, the Ugandan Vice President said the Italian artist continues to inspire many people across the world.

“His works helped much in knowledge, research and science and had a great effect on development of individuals. The painting of the last supper is a reflection of Christian life and I urge Ugandans to appreciate the role of art in educating society but should also use it to advertise Uganda,”Ssekandi said.

The Italian Ambassador to Uganda, Massimiliano Mazzanti said the exhibition is a rare opportunity for people across the world to view the 17 pieces in one place which in normal circumstances would need one to visit at least seven countries and cities across the world to view them.

“The exhibition will go a long way in cementing the relationship between Uganda and Italy,”Mazzanti said.

The opening ceremony was attended by a number of dignitaries including the Tourism Minister, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen.David Muhoozi and the US Ambassador to Uganda, Deborah Malac among others.

At the exhibition 17 true to scale pieces which are some of the greatest pieces by iconic Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci will be at display at the Uganda Museum in Kampala.

Da Vinci is an iconic figure in Italian culture but also one of the most influential artists in the world with interests in science, mathematics, drawing, painting, literature and architecture.

Referred to as the Italian Renaissance master who died 500 years ago in 1519, da Vinci’s annual exhibition to be held in Kampala will also entail a host of other activities by the Italian Embassy in Kampala.

The Italian cultural and culinary week, between  November 18-23 will also be hosted where a number of items will be showcased.

The Italian Embassy  also gave a facelift to the Uganda Museum by painting its main hall on top of performances from Wheelchair Thieves, a popular Italian band.

“Proceeds from the exhibition will go to funding the Katalemwa Cheshire Home, a centre that provides comprehensive rehabilitation services to vulnerable children and young persons with disabilities,” the Italian Ambassador to Uganda said.