The Uganda Museum has seen a remarkable resurgence in visitor numbers, surpassing pre-COVID-19 levels by an impressive 137 percent as of December 2023. This resurgence is a ray of hope for the Ugandan tourism sector, which endured severe disruptions during the pandemic-induced lockdown.
During the delayed Africa Worldwide Heritage Day celebrations, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Tom Butime, unveiled that the museum welcomed 131,508 visitors last year, compared to 67,366 in 2022, with 87 percent being domestic visitors.
Minister Butime highlighted a surge of 95 percent in visitors to all museums and historical sites from 2017 to date. Domestic visitors surged by 77.2 percent, while foreign visitors saw an astonishing growth of 494.5 percent. This growth, according to the minister, showcases the sector’s resilience amid adversity.
Permanent Secretary of MoTWA, Doreen Katusiime, underscored the significance of the Museums and Monuments Act 2023, which superseded the 1967 Act. She highlighted the necessity for increased private investment in the sector, complementing the government’s foundational initiatives.
Katusiime emphasized the consolidation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage under a unified ministry for streamlined management, advocating for ongoing strategic interventions and dialogue among stakeholders to foster sector development.
“With the changes in ministries, some heritage sites remained under government control, while others were neglected as museums were separated for cultural focus. Today, tangible aspects of culture are under the Ministry of Tourism, and intangible aspects under the Ministry of Culture. We aspire for all to fall under one ministry for better management,” she noted.
Commissioner for Museums and Monuments, Jackiline Nyiracyiza, stressed the importance of embracing Uganda’s diverse cultural heritage and its potential for sustainable tourism growth. She called for strategic planning and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the sector’s sustainable expansion and benefits for all involved.
As we move forward to developing and supporting our country’s economy, let’s embrace Uganda’s rich cultural heritage by visiting museums and historical sites. It’s not just about exploring our past but also contributing to our future prosperity and national pride. Together, let’s build a vibrant tourism sector that showcases the beauty and richness of Uganda’s heritage to the world!
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