The State Minister for Tourism, Martin Mugarra has said Kabale Municipality will host this year International Museum Day on May 18.
Addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, Mugarra said this year's celebrations will run under the theme; “Preserving Heritage, Transforming Communities.”
He said this year's celebrations will be preceded by a buffet of activities fused with Explore Kigezi tourism campaign.
“The major objective is to raise awareness on the role of museums services as an important place for disseminating knowledge about history, culture, environment and arts,” Mugarra expressed.
He added that through cultural knowledge dissemination, museums provide platforms for cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.
Kick-boxer Moses Golola has again, been coated to spur this year’s Museum day celebrations.
He will be flanked by singer Shafik Walukagga popularly known as Fik Fameica, gospel singer Herbert Twinamatsiko, Gabi Ntaate among other social influencers.
According to Ms. Jackline Besigye Nyirachiza, the acting Commissioner for Museums and Monuments, the theme is derived from that of the International Council of Museums, “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.”
This year’s theme resonates with the 2030 agenda for sustainable development goal 8, by supporting local economies, creating employment opportunities and offering educational programs that empower communities. Museums also contribute to sustainable urban development by acting as cultural hubs that promote inclusion, resilience and heritage preservation.
“Since 1997, all museums in the world participate in this day to promote the role of museums around the world, by organizing enjoyable and free activities around the year’s theme,” she noted.
The commissioner further echoed government’s commitment to developing museums and monuments across the country, as one way to diversify the tourism products in the country in order to realize the 10-fold revenue targeted from the Tourism sector.
Gospel Singer Herbert Twinamatsiko said museums store cultural artifacts and bear thousands of ancient and cultural tales.
“To this, many people are always confused to think that culture and religion do not collate. We therefore, join this campaign as gospel artists to tell that God is never against culture,” he rallied.
Mr. Stephen Masaba, a senior manager for tourism development under Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) emphasized the need to complement efforts in tourism promotion as well as diversification of the tourism products.
“Therefore, as we sell the wildlife among other natural endowments of the Pearl of Africa, we should remain cognizant of the fact that many tourists are also interested in our natural heritage and whatever the museums have got to offer,” Masaba said.
He also noted that several wildlife areas have cultural significance to which they were gazette as UNESCO sites such as; Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mt. Elgon National Park, Pian UPe Wildlife reserve among others.
