The Ugandan government has been advised to promote heritage studies in the school curriculum.This was revealed at a meeting organized by the Cross Cultural Foundation of Uganda and the International National Trust Organization in Entebbe.
The 3days meeting at Via Via, was organized to draw a safeguarding road map into preserving our cultural heritages and climate change.
The Executive Director, Cross Cultural Foundation of Uganda Barbara Babweteera said that African Heritage is at the verge of collapse, if governments don’t take keen eye in preserving cultural heritages.
In a campaign to preserve our cultural heritages, 4 universities including Kabale university,IUIU Mbale and Kyambogo have start a bachelors degree program to strengthen efforts to promote heritage education in Uganda.
Uganda’s recent history indicates that managing cultural diversity continues to present challenges.
“The introduction of a bachelor’s degree in Heritage studies in universities will nurture pool of cultural heritage enthusiasts and experts”, noted Ms. Babweetera.
She added that a major gap in streamlining the cultural sector is however the absence of a one-stop-centre for addressing cultural issues, hence the need to continue advocating for the creation of the national Ministry of culture.
As the effects of climate change continue to be felt countrywide, treasured heritage sites are increasingly at risk of disappearing because of floods.
In response, the Cross Cultural Foundation of Uganda and the International National Trusts Organisation (INTO) have embarked on a project with funding from British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund, to contribute to the preservation of cultural heritages including the Bakonzo in the Rwenzori region and the Wang-lei along the Nile.
Uganda’s historical buildings, sites and monuments are under immense threat with most iconic buildings fast disappearing including the pending demolition of the Watoto church plus other buildings in Kampala, said report.
The head of history & political science department at Kyambogo University, Dr Robert Ojambo said that “one of our key heritages is our languages which China has used to develop its commerce”.
The 3days meeting was attended by several stake holders including the Uganda National Commission for UNESCO Secretary General Rosie Agoi,Fiona Reynolds& Catherine Leonard of INTO Africa Group.(By PEACOCK KAWEESA)
