BY D KASULE: The government has announced that Jinja City will host the main celebrations as Uganda marks International Museum Day (IMD) 2026. The event is part of ongoing efforts to promote culture as a tool for unity, peace, and economic growth.
Organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, the May 18, 2026 celebrations are expected to attract cultural leaders, government officials, students, and members of the public.
This year’s global theme is “Museums: Uniting a Divided World,” while the national theme is “Museums as Bridges of Unity and Shared Heritage.”
State Minister for Tourism Martin Mugarra emphasized that museums play a key role in preserving Uganda’s identity and supporting national development. He noted that even as modern trends such as technology continue to transform lifestyles, government remains committed to safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations. “Our responsibility is to preserve these resources so that even in the next 1,000 years, people can still learn about their history,” Mugarra said.
The minister added that the 2026 celebrations align with global development goals, including the promotion of sustainable tourism, peaceful societies, and strong partnerships. Tourism remains one of Uganda’s leading economic sectors. In 2024, the country earned about 1.3 billion US dollars (approximately 5 trillion shillings) from tourism, supporting more than 800,000 jobs.
He further noted that museums are playing an increasingly important role in the sector by attracting visitors and promoting local culture and products. One of the key highlights of the celebrations will be the unveiling of 43 cultural artifacts recently returned to Uganda from the Netherlands. The items were collected in the 1960s by Dutch psychiatrist Cor Blok during his time at Butabika Hospital.
The government says it spent about 15 million shillings on transporting the artifacts back to Uganda, mainly covering shipping costs. Uganda has also received cultural items from other institutions in Europe and Africa, including collections from Cambridge University in the United Kingdom and from Kenya. “These artifacts will help communities reconnect with their history as research is carried out to identify their origins,” said Jacqueline Nyiracyiza, Commissioner for Museums.
Authorities say museums are increasingly being used as safe spaces for learning, reflection, and dialogue. Several historical sites across the country have been developed to promote peace and unity, including the Barlonyo Memorial Museum in Lira, the Kabalega–Mwanga site in Dokolo, and Fort Patiko in Gulu. “These sites remind communities of their shared past and help build understanding and cooperation,” Nyiracyiza said.
She also outlined a series of activities leading up to the main event in Jinja. On May 5, a national cultural heritage conference will be held in Kampala under the theme “Urbanization Without Erasure: Architectural Heritage in Uganda’s Changing Urban Centres.”
A heritage marathon will follow on May 10 to raise awareness about cultural preservation. Students will participate in heritage quiz competitions on May 14 and 15 in Jinja, while community outreach programs and exhibitions are scheduled for May 16 and 17. The main celebration on May 18 will begin with a procession from the Uganda Railway Museum to Jinja Rugby Grounds.
Nyiracyiza said the national museum project is now about 79 percent complete, with delays largely attributed to the importation of exhibition materials. “We want to deliver a modern museum that Ugandans will appreciate and that will attract both local and international visitors,” she said.
Minister Mugarra added that once completed, the facility will offer a completely new visitor experience. Frederick Nsibambi from the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda noted that many heritage sites remain at risk because they are not officially listed as protected monuments.
“You cannot protect what you don’t know. Research and documentation are key to safeguarding our heritage,” he said. He also observed that while laws exist, enforcement remains a challenge, especially in rapidly urbanizing areas. The Ministry is calling on Ugandans to actively participate in the celebrations and visit museums across the country.
Officials stress that understanding history is essential for building a united future. “We encourage everyone, especially young people, to visit these sites, learn about their heritage, and help preserve it,” Nyiracyiza said. With Jinja set to host International Museum Day 2026, leaders hope the event will strengthen appreciation of Uganda’s rich cultural heritage and its role in national development.