Ndere Cultural Centre faces auction over debt
Located in Kisaasi, a suburb of Kampala, the centre was inaugurated in 2003 by President Museveni and has been a beacon for promoting Uganda’s rich cultural heritage.
KAMPALA | Stephen Rwangyezi, a prominent Ugandan cultural icon, is at risk of losing the Ndere Cultural Centre, a key institution for cultural preservation and education, due to an unpaid loan.
Located in Kisaasi, a suburb of Kampala, the centre was inaugurated in 2003 by President Museveni and has been a beacon for promoting Uganda’s rich cultural heritage.
Keep Reading
However, the centre, along with two other properties owned by Rwangyezi, has been listed in a public auction notice issued by Quickway Auctioneers & Court Bailiffs.
The Ndere Cultural Centre, spanning 3.645 hectares on Kyadondo Block 216, Plot 2872 Kigoowa, is scheduled for auction next month.
The notice does not disclose the amount owed or the creditor's identity.
Stephen Rwangyenzi
The auction will begin at 10am at the auctioneer's offices, with potential buyers required to pay via cash or RTGS.
Viewing of the property is available by prior arrangement, and the auctioneer, Festus Kateregga, reserves the right to accept or reject any offers.
In addition to the Ndere Cultural Centre, Rwangyezi's properties in Bira, Mengo District, and Kisoro District are also set to be auctioned.
These include land in Busiro Block 306 and Kisoro Block 122, measuring 1.214 hectares and 2.202 hectares, respectively.
The Ndere Dancing Troupe
Rwangyezi founded the Ndere Troupe in 1984 to revive and sustain Uganda's traditional arts.
The troupe, symbolized by the "Ndere" flute, embodies the harmony and beauty of Ugandan music, dance, and storytelling.
Their success led to the establishment of the Ndere Cultural Centre, which has become a platform for cultural exchange and education, attracting both local and international visitors.
Rwangyezi’s efforts have extended beyond entertainment; he has been a vocal advocate for including cultural studies in academic curricula and has collaborated with the government to promote policies supporting cultural preservation.
His contributions have earned him recognition as a cultural ambassador, both within Uganda and globally.
As the auction approaches, the future of Ndere Cultural Centre, a cornerstone of Uganda’s cultural identity, remains uncertain.
