Semei Kakungulu Museum Officially Opens in Mbale City

By Brian Makawa

 

MBALE CITY

Today, Thursday, 28th November 2024, the Semei Kakungulu Museum has been officially opened in Kasanvu cell on Gangama Hill, Mbale city.

 

While speaking as the chief guest at the ceremony held Kasanvu on the Gangama Hill, Hon. Tom Butime, the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, emphasised that “The opening of the Museum will enrich our tourism products, especially for Mbale City and the eastern tourism route.”

 

He said, Mbale City will register an increase in number of visitors, thus contributing to increased revenue for the city. It will also create job opportunities and market for products of our people.

 

The Semei Kakungulu Museum is also expected to contribute to the Government’s efforts to safeguard and promote Uganda’s heritage.

 

“The museum will create job opportunities, stimulate local economic growth, and provide a platform for cultural exchange,” he added.

 

The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Area leaders, the Country Director British Council, Mbale City local government officials including the Mayor, Inzu Ya Masaba cultural institution, Buganda Kingdom’s representative, Uganda Tourism Board, tour operators, civil society and the local community around the site witnessed the event.

 

Barbra Babweteera, the Executive Director, The Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda, highlighted that “The museum’s focus on environmental conservation is particularly important, given the climate change challenges we are facing in the country. Semei Kakungulu’s legacy will inspire future generations to take action.”

 

Cassim Namugali, the Mbale City Mayor said opening of the Museum is a boost to the NDP IV project that emphasis tourism.

 

“The Museum will attract tourists in Mbale city and generate revenue and create employment to all categories of people,” he emphasized.

 

Asumin Nasike, the RCC Mbale city said the local history and culture being preserved and promoted through this museum will be a valuable resource for our community and tourists that will aid the development of Mbale City.

 

Millicent Mugabi, Country Director, British Council Uganda expressed her appreciation of the Cultural Protection Fund and its vision of Putting people at the heart of cultural heritage protection, and support organizations to safeguard cultural heritage whilst seeking to strengthen individual, community and societal identity.

 

The museum has been established by the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU) in partnership with the Semei Kakungulu family and the International National Trusts Organisation (INTO), with financial support from British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund, under the successfully completed the project: “Withstanding change; heritage amongst climate uncertainty”.

 

The main objective of this project was to restore and safeguard the Semei Kakungulu heritage site on Gangama hill in Mbale City from the effects of climate change, and turn the site into a public museum that demonstrates various local practices and indigenous knowledge effective in addressing climate change.

 

The Semei Kakungulu Museum stands as a testament to the remarkable life and contribution of Semei Kakungulu, a prominent figure in Uganda’s history.

 

It highlights his contribution as a significant figure on environmental conservation and climate change through his Mvule tree planting efforts; a military leader central in the expansion of British rule especially in the eastern parts of the country; a fervent promoter of Christianity who formed “Abayudaya”, a religious sect that practices what is considered Orthodox Judaism, and a strong advocate for modern medicine, education and agriculture.

 

Spread across 3.5 acres, the museum features four heritage zones, offering an immersive experience that combines history, nature, and beauty. Visitors can explore the Nyanja Eradde Information Centre, the historic building housing most artefacts, a breathtaking view of Mbale city, and a trail to discover the remnants of the first Abayudaya synagogue.

 

The Semei Kakungulu Museum is expected to attract tourists from around the world, contributing to the growth of Uganda’s tourism industry and local economic development. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), international tourist arrivals worldwide are expected to rise to 1.8 billion by 2030, with city tourism being a significant driver of growth.

 

Public visits

The Museum will open to the public starting, Friday, 29th November, 2024 and will be free to the general public until Wednesday, 4th December, 2024. Thereafter, the Museum will always be open to the general public from Mondays to Sundays, 9:00am to 6:00pm at a fee.

 

About the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU). CCFU is a local non-governmental organisation established in 2006 to promote the appreciation of culture as vital to human development that responds to our diverse identities. Our work hinges on three programme areas, which are; cultural heritage safeguarding and promotion, cultural rights promotion and managing cultural diversity.

 

CCFU has documented historical buildings and sites in Uganda’s major cities to highlight heritage safeguarding as a key issues and in 2022, the Foundation in collaboration with the Uganda Railways Corporation restored the Jinja Railway station main building and established the first ever Railway Museum in Uganda.