Unlocking Museums for Education and Research

• Museums hold vast knowledge and deserve greater attention.
• International Museum Day 2024 was celebrated in Uganda’s Soroti City.

Historical Significance of Mutundwe:

Mutundwe, meaning “to be sold” in Luganda, was historically a prominent slaveholding area in Buganda during the 19th century. Slave masters built high boundary walls to prevent escapes, and until recently, this history was overlooked. There is currently no museum in Uganda dedicated solely to the role of the Buganda Kingdom and the country in the history of slavery. However, the Ssemagulu Royal Museum helps shed light on this aspect of history.

Advancing SDGs Through Museums:

During a recent visit to the Ssemagulu Royal Museum, four school buses were observed, with students engaging in various educational activities. The museum proprietor, John Ssempebwa, emphasizes the role of museums in fostering critical thinking and empathy. The theme for International Museum Day 2024, “Museums for Education and Research,” aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 9, which focus on inclusive, equitable quality education and innovation, respectively. Albert Kasozi, CEO of the Buganda Heritage and Tourism Board (BHTB), highlights the power of museums in teaching and preserving tradition.

New Developments:

• The Buganda Kingdom and Makerere University have renovated the Sir Edward Muteesa II Museum.
• Kyambogo University plans to erect a museum honoring Ssekabaka Muteesa I Walugembe Kayiira.
• A new heritage museum at Lubiri Mengo will open on July 1, 2024, featuring royal collections and cultural artifacts. This phased project, worth Shs400m, includes various facilities and has partnered with institutions like the Smithsonian.

Empowering Women through museums:

Gertrude Kabaganda, curator of the Koogere Community Museum, demonstrates how cultural heritage can boost the economy for women. The museum funds itself through handicrafts and book sales, and has trained teachers to promote heritage education. The museum supports cultural tourism through activities like indigenous food tasting and traditional rituals

Future Directionsfor museums:

The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) encourages collaboration and sustainable practices within the museum sector. Lilly Ajarova, UTB CEO, emphasizes the importance of environmental commitment and aims to improve marketing and promotional opportunities for museums. For more visit:https://utb.go.ug/

In summary, museums in Uganda play a crucial role in education, cultural preservation, and tourism. Despite challenges such as funding and technological integration, efforts are being made to enhance their impact and sustainability.