18/05/2026
Uganda Wildlife Authority represented by Ag. commissioner for Tourism and Business Development Dorcus Rukundo, has participated in the International Museum Day 2026 celebrations today in Jinja City, where leaders, diplomats, and cultural stakeholders highlighted the importance of museums in preserving Uganda’s heritage and promoting tourism.
During the event, the Mayor of Jinja requested the Minister of Tourism to consider establishing a Centre of Museums in the city, saying museums are centres of wisdom that preserve storytelling, creativity, and the ways of Uganda’s ancestors.
The celebrations focused on positioning Jinja, home to the Source of the Nile, as an international tourism destination through culture and heritage preservation.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Doreen Katusiime, said Busoga was chosen because of its rich cultural and historical heritage, noting that government investments in tourism infrastructure reflect efforts to decentralize national investment and diversify Uganda’s tourism products.
Minister Col (Rtd).Tom R.Butime applauded the Kyabazinga and Busoga Kingdom leadership for supporting tourism activities and praised schools and teachers for creatively promoting Uganda’s heritage.
He emphasized the need for libraries, museums, maps, and other visitor facilities that encourage tourists and students to stay longer, learn more, and appreciate Uganda’s culture.
“A country that does not respect history has no memory or identity. Museums must become centres of heritage, diversity, and inclusion,” Butime said.
Uganda’s Ambassador to Arusha, Ann Katusiime, said museums are more than buildings that store artifacts, describing them as institutions that connect people to culture and identity.
The Belgium Ambassador to Uganda praised Uganda’s cultural beauty and encouraged museums to become more interactive for children through literature, music, and artifacts, especially during a period when the country is showcasing its tourism potential through events like POATE 2026.