Uganda calls on foreign countries to reconsider keeping historical human remains

The state minister for Foreign Affairs, Okello Oryem, has urged foreign countries to reconsider keeping historical human remains, citing the significance of repatriating such artefacts, relics to promote religious tourism and honor the memories of those who died for their faith.

“We demanding those who took the remains of ancestors and held it in their capitals for hundreds of years, should at least make significant contributions towards the development of our historical sites locally as a symbol of justice to ourselves” Oryem stated.

Minister Oryem made the remarks while welcoming the bodily relics of St. Matia Mulumba and St. Karoli Lwanga, two Ugandan martyrs, from Rome at Entebbe International Airport after 138 years.

The two saints were killed in 1886 under the leadership of Kabaka Mwanga.

Oryem said, “there’s more to be done, other countries, families have made strong steps to permanently repatriate the remains of their ancestors and loved ones due to various reasons that had been taken to the western countries during the colonial era. These are our ancestral spirits in us always ask, what are you doing to bring us back home?”

The minister reminded Ugandans to create awareness and take an active role in ensuring the repatriation of their heritage, including the remains of those who killed and taken from their homeland.

He applauded the Catholic Church for negotiating the move to repatriate the remains.

The remains, which include bones, chains, wooden materials, and handcuffs used in their killing, were wrapped in paper and accompanied by Nyombi Richard from Missionaries of Africa Organization before unveiling them.

The Acting commissioner, Museums and Monuments who represented the Minister of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities, Nyiracyiza Jackline Besigye cited the move as a great contribution towards the religious and faith tourism in the country.

“In most developed countries, money is earned from their museums through showcasing and exhibiting such relics and other human materials. Therefore, when I see church, universities coming up with such ideas of negotiating repatriations and hosting museology exhibitions, then, our tourism sector is heading in a right direction” Nyiracyiza noted.

The Kampala Archbishop, Paul Ssemogerere re-echoed the Minister’s statement to strongly advocate for the repatriation of historical remains that make efforts in boosting religious tourism.

The archbishop lauded the cooperation between church and the government that initiated the move that led to a successful repatriation.

He called on Ugandans to embrace unity, love and commitment in faith reflecting on lessons learnt from the spirit of the Uganda martyrs who died for their Christian faith.

The relics will be showcased in the upcoming religious exhibition commencing on Saturday 14th ,2024 at Uganda Martrys University (UMU), Lubaga Campus while celebrating the 60th Canonisation of the Uganda Martyrs.

Prof. Kyamanywa Edrin Patrick, the Vice Chancellor of UMU commended the efforts by all stake holders to carry out a process the of repatriation challenging the Christians on their commitment to faith reflecting on the martyr’s dedication to faith.