Uganda to use International Museum Day to showcase uniqueness of its heritage to the world
Through partnerships with international institutions, Uganda has secured the return of heritage items from institutions such as the University of Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, as well as collections from Kenya and the Netherlands. Among them are artifacts collected in the 1960s and others linked to a former Dutch expatriate who lived in Uganda during that period.
The Government has announced that Uganda will mark this year’s International Museum Day 2026 in Jinja, in a move that underscores the country’s growing emphasis on cultural tourism as a driver of economic growth and social cohesion.
Addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre on April 29, the State Minister for Tourism, Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, said the celebrations will take place on May 18 under the global theme “Museums: Uniting a Divided World” and the national theme “Museums as Bridges of Unity and Shared Heritage.”
He described the event as a key platform for positioning museums not just as repositories of history, but as active spaces for dialogue, reconciliation, and inclusive development.
“This year’s celebration will be enlightening and inspiring, as we leverage culture as a foundation for unity and sustainable development,” Mugarra said.
Culture Meets Tourism Strategy
The 2026 celebrations are closely aligned with global development priorities, particularly Sustainable Development Goals on inclusive growth, peace-building, and partnerships. Officials say museums are increasingly being integrated into Uganda’s tourism value chain, supporting job creation while promoting local culture and products.
Uganda’s tourism sector continues to play a central role in the economy. According to the ministry, the industry generated $1.3 billion (about UGX 5 trillion) in 2024 and supported more than 800,000 jobs, figures that reinforce its place under the country’s long-term development blueprint, Uganda Vision 2040.
By anchoring International Museum Day within this framework, the government is signaling a shift toward cultural tourism as a complement to traditional wildlife and adventure offerings.
Artifact Returns Boost Heritage Appeal
A major highlight of this year’s celebrations will be the public unveiling of recently repatriated cultural artifacts, some of which have been outside Uganda for over five decades.
Through partnerships with international institutions, Uganda has secured the return of heritage items from institutions such as the University of Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, as well as collections from Kenya and the Netherlands. Among them are artifacts collected in the 1960s and others linked to a former Dutch expatriate who lived in Uganda during that period.
Officials say these returns position Uganda among a growing number of countries successfully reclaiming cultural property through diplomacy and global cooperation.
“These artifacts will be showcased to the public in Jinja, while further research is undertaken to establish their communities of origin,” Mugarra noted.
Museums as Spaces for Peace and Dialogue
The Ministry, through its Department of Museums and Monuments, is also using the platform to highlight the role of heritage sites in peace-building and national unity.
Sites such as the Barlonyo Memorial Museum, Kabalega-Mwanga Site, and Fort Patiko are being developed not only as tourism attractions but also as spaces for reflection, learning, and reconciliation among communities.
“Museums offer safe spaces for dialogue and mutual understanding. They allow voices to be heard and promote cooperation and peace,” he said.
Week-Long Activities Lined Up
The 2026 celebrations will be preceded by a series of nationwide events aimed at engaging the public and raising awareness about cultural heritage.
Key activities lined up for the International Museum Day 2026 celebrations will include a national cultural heritage conference on May 5 at Hotel Africana focusing on preserving architectural heritage amid rapid urbanization, followed by a heritage marathon on May 10 starting from Kitante Primary School in Kampala; the programme will also feature schools’ heritage quiz competitions on May 14–15 at the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training College, before culminating in community outreach programmes, exhibitions, and corporate social responsibility activities across Jinja on May 16–17, aimed at deepening public engagement with Uganda’s cultural heritage.
The main celebration on May 18 will feature a ceremonial band procession from the Uganda Railway Museum to the Jinja Rugby Grounds.
Positioning Uganda Globally
Uganda is also leveraging International Museum Day to strengthen its cultural diplomacy agenda, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 on shared heritage and identity.
By showcasing its cultural assets and promoting international collaboration, the country aims to deepen its global tourism appeal while reinforcing national identity.
As Jinja prepares to host the celebrations, the event is expected to draw cultural enthusiasts, researchers, and tourists alike, offering yet another dimension to Uganda’s evolving tourism story, where history, identity, and economic opportunity converge.
