Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA) wishes to announce the successful repatriation of a significant collection of Karamojong cultural artefacts from Kenya.
The artefacts that comprise traditional regalia, tools, ornaments, and other cultural items were collected during the colonial period by the late John Wilson (RIP), a British national who worked in Uganda – Karamoja region as an Agricultural Officer.
Late Wilson’s final instructions were that the artefacts should one day be returned to the Karamojong communities in Uganda. This wish was upheld and facilitated by his wife, Mrs. Anne Wilson and their son, who had the artefacts preserved at their family home in Kiambu, Nairobi, Kenya.
The artefacts are fully under the care of MTWA’s Department of Museums and Monuments, safely transferred and stored at the Soroti Regional Museum. They will undergo additional conservation and condition assessment before being opened for public view.
Commenting on this historic event, Ag. Commissioner Museum and Monuments Mrs. Besigye Jackline noted, “This marks a historic achievement in the ongoing efforts to recover and restore Uganda’s cultural heritage and identity. The return of Karamojong cultural artefacts is a major milestone in Uganda’s heritage preservation and restoration journey. These items hold deep historical, cultural, and symbolic value for Karamojong people, whose heritage has been in many cases dispersed,” she said.
She revealed that the artefacts will be transferred to the Uganda National Museum in Kampala as they await official handover to the State by the family of late John Wilson. The items will in future be relocated to the under construction Karamoja Regional Museum in Moroto District.
Before the artefact’s repatriation, MTWA experts travelled to Kiambu, Kenya to assess and document them. The team worked with the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) to carefully conserve, catalogue, and pack in accordance with professional museum standards.
MTWA also initiated the formal processes to obtain the necessary export permits from Kenyan authorities in line with international cultural property laws.
This repatriation not only fulfils the wishes of the Wilson family but also sets a positive precedent for ethical cultural restitution, cross-border cooperation, and mutual respect for African heritage.
It aligns with the African Union’s call for the return of looted and displaced cultural assets and supports broader efforts to decolonise museum and cultural narratives across the continent.
MTWA extends its gratitude to the Wilson family for their stewardship and moral commitment, National Museums of Kenya for their collaboration and safe storage and all other stakeholders who played a role in making this repatriation possible.
MTWA remains committed to safeguarding Uganda’s diverse cultural heritage and calls upon both local and international partners to continue supporting efforts that promote cultural justice and restoration.
