Cultural Institutions: Between Conserving Heritage and Shaping the Future

An Identity Talk at KTA Symposium 2024

The recent Identity Talk on “Cultural Institutions between Preservation of Heritage and Shaping the Future” brought together influential voices in culture, conservation, and policy at Design Quarter in Nakasero. Moderated by Raymond Munjuni, the panel featured Dr. James Isagara, Executive Chairman of the Kabalega Foundation; Owek. David Mpanga, Lawyer and Minister of Buganda Kingdom; Owek. Michael Kifubangabo, Minister of Information for Busoga Kingdom; and Charles Mwangushya, former Minister of Information for Tooro Kingdom and host of Forth Estate.

Rtd. Hon. Justice Patrick Tabaro giving his opening remarks

This engaging discussion highlighted the essential role of cultural institutions in Uganda’s future. The panelists emphasized that while Uganda is diverse, a strong sense of unity prevails among its people. They underscored the importance of dialogue toward a shared vision that propels the nation forward while emphasizing the central role of cultural institutions in the development agenda.

In his opening remarks, Rtd. Hon. Justice Patrick Tabaro, a consultant at KTA Advocates and former Principal Judge of the High Court of Uganda, noted that the event’s theme resonated with the essence of African interconnectedness. Justice Tabaro stressed the need to harmonize international intellectual property laws with local cultural needs. He called for Uganda to reclaim its cultural identity, which has been influenced by Eurocentric ideas since 1492. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of informal education, asserting that formal institutions are not the only sources of knowledge; indigenous knowledge systems must also be recognized and preserved.

Owek. David F. Mpanga of Buganda Kingdom sharing his remarks.

Owek. Mpanga emphasized Buganda’s inclusive nature, which accommodates all Ugandan communities. Owek. Kifubangabo raised concerns about the intersection of identity, politics, and poverty, noting how poverty can make individuals vulnerable to manipulation. These discussions reaffirmed the critical role of cultural institutions in maintaining Uganda’s continuity amid these challenges.

Dr. Isagara pointed to the necessity of decolonizing African borders, using the Bunyoro community as an example of how artificial borders separate cultural kin. Ms. Anna Reismann, Country Director of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung for Uganda and South Sudan, echoed the mission of fostering democratic governance, dialogue, and development.

Navigating Identity and Cultural Dynamics

During the symposium, Ms. Asmahaney Saad from KTA Advocates raised important questions about overcoming identity challenges and segregation as a forth generation descendant of a Yemeni who settled in Uganda, to which Owek. Charles Mwangushya from Tooro emphasized the need for cultural dynamism to welcome newcomers and foster their contributions to national development.

Ms. Asmahaney Saad sharing her journey of getting assimilated in Uganda

The discussions continued in a fireside chat featuring Dr. Isagara alongside Hon. Nobert Mao, Minister for Justice and Constitution Affairs; Hon. Rachel Magoola, Woman MP for Bugweri District and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Forum for Creative Arts; Mr. Christopher Ssebuyungo, Conservator of the Uganda National Museum; and Mr. Robert Kalundi Serumaga, a journalist and cultural activist. Together, they explored mechanisms and approaches for preserving cultural heritage while integrating forward-thinking policies—essential ingredients for enriching Uganda’s diverse communities and promoting the country’s development agenda.

Ms. Anna Reismann, the Country Director of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung for Uganda and South Sudan speaking at the symposium.

The day concluded with a cocktail event, marking the end of the three-day KTA Symposium 2024, organized under the theme: “Localizing Intellectual Property for Uganda’s Digital Economy and Using Technology as a Tool for Cultural Preservation.”

A group photo of panelists and discussants with the Chief Guest at the symposium

The Kabalega Foundation extends its gratitude to KTA Advocates, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, and the Uganda Law Society for organizing this enriching symposium. Together, these discussions pave the way for a future that honors cultural heritage while embracing the potential of a united community.

Hon. Nobert Mao (2nd right) speaking during the Fire-side chat on Cultural Conservation, to the Right, Hon. Racheal Magoola.

Some of the participants and journalists who attended the fire-side chat on Conservation of Culture at the NBS live televised event.