The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities has confirmed that Uganda will join the rest of the world in the celebration of International Museum Day (IMD2025), which will take place in May.
In Hon. Tom Butime’s speech that was delivered by the State Minister for Tourism, Hon Martin Mugarra Bahinduka during the journalists’ engagement at the Media Centre, he highlighted that this year’s celebration will be held in Kabale Municipality, South Western Uganda on Sunday 18th May 2025 with an enlightening and inspiring event, focusing on the theme: “Preserving Heritage, Transforming Communities” derived from the International Council of Museums (1COM) international theme: “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.”
Since 1977, all museums in the world have participated in this day to promote the role of museums around the world by organizing enjoyable and free activities around the year’s theme.
“The objective of celebrating the IMD 2025 is to raise awareness on the role of museum services as an important place for disseminating knowledge about history, culture, environment and Arts. Through cultural knowledge dissemination, museums provide a platform for cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples,” he said.
In addition, the Minister noted that this year’s theme resonates with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8; where museums support local economies by creating employment opportunities and offering educational programs that empower communities and SDG 11: Museums contribute to sustainable urban development by acting as cultural hubs that promote inclusion, resilience, and heritage preservation. It focuses on how museums can navigate and contribute to a world undergoing profound social, technological, and environmental shifts. This day pushes for a more conscious, sustainable and inclusive world.
The previous International Museum Day events and activities were celebrated in Gulu City in 2023 and Soroti City in 2024.
This time around, the Ministry has also planned for a diverse range of activities aimed at promoting cultural awareness, heritage preservation, and forward-thinking innovation that include;
- 15th April 2025; Media Briefing on the International Museums Day at the Media Centre; Kampala.
- 28th April – 4th May; with USAGA (Uganda Safari Guides Association) training on Basic Cultural heritage in Kigezi region for Tour Guides” in Kabale Town.
- 6th May 2025: a National Cultural Heritage Conference at Hotel Africana in Kampala. The focus of the conference is on “Culture as a Tool for Empowering Communities and Future Generations.”
- 12th to 14th May 2025; Museum Fair by ICOM-Uganda at Emin Pasha Hotel, Kampala.
- 15h- 16th May 2025: the school’s heritage quiz and competitions for primary and secondary schools in the Kigezi sub-region at Kabale University.
- 16th – 19th May 2025: Explore Kigezi Familiarization Trip to start from Kampala to Kisoro and hold Heritage Concert Night on 18th May 2025 at Kabale Municipal Stadium.
- 17th May 2025, Sports gala at Kabale University Play Grounds.
- 16th May 2025 (Morning), Corporate Social Responsibility with the Local government and partners in Kabale Town.
- 17th May 2025 (Evening), Campfire and bull roasting.
- 18h May 2025; the Main Celebration Day at Kabale Stadium. This will be preceded by a brass band from Kabale Regional Museum Kabale Stadium.
Hon Butime aslo explained that this celebration not only commemorates the importance of museums as repositories of knowledgebut also serves as a platform for fostering curiosity, critical thinking and dialogue; understanding, and appreciation among communities.
He, therefore encouraged the public to join the Ministry in the celebration of the rich tapestry of the country’s cultural heritage and the transformative power of museums in shaping a brighter future for Uganda.
During the upcoming IMD 2025 celebrations, the trip and events will be spiced by several influencers and local artists led by the commonly known as Fik Fameica, Moses Golola, together with famous gospel music artists, Pastor Herbert Twina and Gabbie Ntaate, among others.
Meanwhile, Hon Mugarra also provided an update on the ongoing renovation process of the Uganda Museum, saying, “The Uganda Museum is at around 64%. We expect to complete it in October; we have the resources, and work is on track. It will be much more done and probably more appealing for people to visit.”
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