Rwangyezi appeals to Museveni to save Ndere Cultural Centre

Ndere Cultural Centre, along with two other properties owned by Rwangyezi, has been listed for public auction by Quickway Auctioneers & Court Bailiffs.

The proprietor of Ndere Cultural Centre, Stephen Rwangyezi, has appealed to President Museveni and the public to help save the iconic institution from going under due to an unpaid loan.

Located in Kisaasi, a suburb of Kampala, the centre was inaugurated in 2003 by President Museveni and has since served as a hub for the preservation and promotion of Uganda’s rich cultural heritage.

However, the centre, along with two other properties owned by Rwangyezi, has been listed for public auction by Quickway Auctioneers & Court Bailiffs.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Rwangyezi expressed his concerns.

"We built this cultural centre with a modern interpretation of African architecture. Over the years, we have funded the education of thousands of children, many of whom continue to uplift our cultural heritage. In addition, we serve the country in various capacities," he said.

Rwangyezi stressed that safeguarding Uganda’s cultural heritage should be the government’s responsibility.

However, realizing that this was not being done, he said he has taken it upon himself to do whatever he can to protect the centre.

The Ndere Cultural Centre, which spans 3.645 hectares on Kyadondo Block 216, Plot 2872 in Kigoowa, is slated for auction next month.

Rwangyezi shared that the financial difficulties began when he secured a loan of Shs6.8 billion from the Uganda Development Bank in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted his ability to generate revenue.

"We have tried to reach the authorities through different channels, but with little help," Rwangyezi explained.

Efforts to achieve financial stability have been hindered, forcing the centre to explore private business ventures to generate income.

Despite these efforts, the lack of public funding has left the institution in a precarious situation.

Rwangyezi emphasized that the centre's focus on teaching and research has been key to its success over the years.

However, without external financial support, the centre’s educational programs and cultural projects are at risk of being halted.

He called for immediate financial intervention to prevent the centre from shutting down, underlining the institution's critical contributions to cultural education.

Rwangyezi also appealed for a government bailout, warning that if the centre is auctioned, it will be a great loss to all Ugandans.

Additionally, he urged the Uganda Development Bank to extend the loan repayment period if government financial aid is not possible.

Dave JK Kazoora, a media coach who has been involved in productions at Ndere Centre for many years, noted that various musician associations in Uganda, including one led by Edirisa Musuuza (Eddy Kenzo), have been petitioned to intervene and help save the centre.

In addition to the Ndere Cultural Centre, Stephen Rwangyezi’s properties in Bira, Mengo District, and Kisoro District are also slated for auction.

These include land in Busiro Block 306, measuring 1.214 hectares, and Kisoro Block 122, covering 2.202 hectares.

Rwangyezi founded the Ndere Troupe in 1984 with the mission to revive and preserve Uganda’s traditional arts.

The troupe, symbolized by the "Ndere" flute, represents the harmony and beauty of Ugandan music, dance, and storytelling.

Their success led to the creation of the Ndere Cultural Centre, which has become a platform for cultural exchange and education, drawing visitors from both Uganda and abroad.

Beyond entertainment, Rwangyezi has been a strong advocate for integrating cultural studies into academic curricula and has collaborated with the government to support policies that promote cultural preservation.

His work has earned him recognition as a cultural ambassador, both nationally and internationally.