Kampala, Uganda – On 18th May 2026, Uganda joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Museum Day with vibrant national celebrations held at the Rugby Grounds in Jinja City under the global theme, “Museums Uniting a Divided World,” and Uganda’s national theme, “Museums as Bridges of Unity and Shared Heritage.”
The celebrations brought together government officials, diplomats, cultural leaders, museum professionals, community heritage custodians, development partners, students and members of the public in a powerful showcase of Uganda’s cultural diversity and shared identity. The day began with a colourful match through Jinja City as cultural groups, museum representatives, youth and heritage practitioners filled the streets with music, dance, and traditional attire from different regions of Uganda. The procession set the tone for a celebration that highlighted culture as a force for dialogue, peace and national cohesion.
At the Rugby Grounds, community museums and cultural enterprises from across the country showcased exhibitions featuring indigenous knowledge systems, traditional crafts, storytelling, music, historical artifacts and cultural practices that continue to shape communities today. Cultural performances and youth activities further demonstrated the growing role of museums as dynamic spaces for education, inclusion and intercultural understanding.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Doreen Katusiime, emphasised the role of museums as institutions that foster dialogue, reconciliation and empathy in an increasingly divided world. The Guest of Honour, Hon. col. (Rtd) Tom Butime, described museums as important bridges connecting generations, communities and nations while preserving collective memory and cultural identity.
The celebrations in Jinja reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to heritage preservation, cultural diplomacy and the promotion of museums as spaces that strengthen unity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence both nationally and globally.
