Uganda Museum visitors beat past Pre-COVID19 levels

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Uganda Museum has witnessed a remarkable increase in visitor numbers, surpassing pre-COVID-19 levels by an impressive 137 percent as of December 2023. This resurgence signifies a significant recovery for the tourism sector, which was severely disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic-induced lockdown.
During the belated Africa Worldwide Heritage Day celebrations, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Tom Butime, revealed 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 increased by 77.2 percent, while foreign visitors saw a staggering growth of 494.5 percent. This growth, according to the minister, demonstrates the resilience of the sector amidst challenging circumstances.

In his commitment to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, Minister Butime emphasized the importance of collaboration to build a future where economic prosperity is intertwined with sustainable cultural preservation.

Permanent Secretary of MoTWA, Doreen Katusiime, emphasized the significance of the Museums and Monuments Act 2023, which replaced the 1967 Act. She highlighted the need for increased private investment in the sector, building upon the government’s foundational efforts.

Katusiime stressed the importance of consolidating tangible and intangible cultural heritage under a single ministry for more efficient management and emphasized the need for continued strategic interventions and dialogue among stakeholders for sector development.

“With the changes in the ministries, some heritage sites then remained in the hands of the government, whereas some important sites were abandoned as the museums were separated for culture. Up to today, we still have the tangible aspects of culture under the Ministry of Tourism and the intangible aspects under the Ministry of Culture. We still hope that one day all these will be brought under one ministry so that they can be managed better,” she stated.

Commissioner for Museums and Monuments, Jackiline Nyiracyiza, underscored the importance of understanding Uganda’s rich cultural heritage and the potential for profitable tourism if managed effectively. She emphasized the need for strategic planning and collaboration for the sector’s sustainable growth and benefit for all stakeholders.

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