The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities brought together cultural leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders at Hotel Africana in Kampala for the Second National Cultural Heritage Conference, focusing on how culture can empower communities and future generations.
The conference, organized by the Department of Museums and Monuments, explored the transformative power of Uganda’s rich cultural heritage in driving community development and strengthening national identity.
Commissioner Jacklyn Nyiracyiza announced major modernization plans for the Uganda Museum, including virtual tours and an online catalog designed to share Uganda’s heritage with global audiences.
“We are redesigning the building to prevent leaks and creating a digital component with virtual tours and an online catalog to share Uganda’s heritage globally,” Nyiracyiza revealed.
Technology expert Lorna Okeng, an extended reality curator and technologist, emphasized the importance of incorporating cutting-edge technology into Uganda’s cultural tourism sector.
“Incorporating disruptive technology into Uganda’s cultural and heritage tourism is essential for modernizing the sector and increasing global visibility,” Okeng explained.
She highlighted how virtual reality, augmented reality, and AI-driven platforms can bring Uganda’s traditions and historical sites to life for international audiences while preserving fragile heritage digitally for future generations.
Dr. Stephen Rwangyezi, founder of the Ndere Cultural Center, stressed that heritage serves as both a reflection of the past and a resource for sustainable development. He emphasized the need for inclusive approaches to cultural heritage management, particularly ensuring marginalized and indigenous groups have their voices heard.
The conference aimed to inspire collective action and develop strategies to integrate cultural heritage into national development plans through community participation.
The Ministry of Tourism unveiled several new initiatives to boost cultural tourism across the country. These include agro-tourism promotion that encourages visitors to experience rural life through farm visits and participation in gastronomy festivals.
The ministry also revealed plans to establish regional museums in northern cities like Gulu and Arua to decentralize cultural heritage and improve local access to cultural resources.