The Buganda Kingdom has launched a comprehensive strategy to strengthen cultural heritage and expand tourism across its counties (amasaza), in a move aimed at reinforcing identity and creating economic opportunities.
The initiative was unveiled by the Kingdom’s Minister of Heritage, Palaces, Tombs, Tourism and Security, Anthony Wamala during a strategic meeting at the Buganda Heritage and Tourism Board headquarters in Bulange, Mengo.
The meeting brought together county chiefs, cultural leaders, and heads of cultural institutions from across the kingdom to align on a unified approach to heritage preservation and tourism development.
Wamala presented a detailed framework focused on identifying, developing, and promoting cultural sites within the counties, with particular emphasis on grassroots tourism.
“Culture defines the way people live, while tradition explains the origins of those ways of life. Every community has unique characteristics that distinguish it from others, and in Buganda, there are deeply rooted cultural elements such as our clans that cannot simply be erased, even in modern times,” he said.
He urged leaders to prioritize the promotion of the Luganda language, describing it as a cornerstone of Buganda’s identity and a potential driver of economic activity through teaching, publishing, and cultural enterprises.
Wamala also called on cultural leaders to take on a more research-driven role, emphasizing the need to understand and document traditions before challenging or discarding them.
“Leaders must avoid opposing what they do not understand. Their responsibility begins with researching and explaining why certain traditions exist for example, why certain songs were historically restricted in Buganda,” he added.
The Executive Director of the Buganda Heritage and Tourism Board, Najib Nsubuga, stressed the importance of structured planning in developing tourism sites.
He urged county leaders to identify and document potential tourism attractions, define clear activities around them, and ensure consistent implementation to sustain growth.
Cultural leaders from various counties welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism about its potential impact.
Micheal Ssembajjwe said the plan offers a clear pathway for reviving and restoring heritage sites, while Jennifer Nanyange noted that effective implementation could significantly boost tourism in their areas.
The initiative signals a renewed push by the Buganda Kingdom to preserve its cultural heritage while leveraging it as a foundation for tourism development and economic growth.
If successfully implemented, the strategy is expected to strengthen cultural identity and position Buganda as a leading cultural tourism destination in the region.