The History and Heritage Uganda campaign, aimed at promoting cultural tourism across the country, is officially underway following its launch at Ewaffe Cultural Village on Saturday by Top Cloud Rwenzori Adventures Limited.
The campaign, unveiled during a function attended by representatives from the Buganda and Busoga kingdoms, Miss Tourism Buganda Jackie Nanyonga, and journalists from various media houses, seeks to highlight the unique cultural attractions and experiences of Uganda’s diverse regions and cultures.
Miss Tourism Buganda Jackie Nanyonga (L) being taught how to fetch water using a pot
Speaking at the event, Amon Baita, the Team Leader at Top Cloud Rwenzori Adventures, noted that the campaign aims to drive tourism traffic to traditional and historical sites across the country and create awareness about the cultures of Uganda’s different tribes.
“Our aim is to document, promote, and revitalize local history, culture, and traditions. Through these regional tours, we will showcase historical artifacts, record Uganda’s unique historical sites, cultural landmarks, and traditional heritage, as well as market these sites globally in the digital space,” Baita said.
He added, “Our tours are designed to educate and inspire both local and international visitors, celebrating Uganda’s vibrant history while contributing to the preservation of our historical and cultural treasures, especially during these times when cultural erosion is at its peak across African societies.”
To achieve this, he revealed that the company intends to build a digital museum for African history and cultural heritage. This museum will serve as a resource for future generations to learn about their past and traditions, and as a platform for cultural tourism research.
Godfrey Luyombya Nswa Zaluguudo, a representative of the Buganda Kingdom, praised the initiative, describing it as unique and beneficial to cultural institutions in Uganda by promoting their cultural values and tourism sites.
“I commend the management and team at Top Cloud Rwenzori Adventures for starting this campaign. It is timely because it was lacking in our society. We have many tourism sites in our kingdoms, but few people know about them because no one has taken the initiative to inform them,” Luyombya said.
“A tree or well that has been in a place for over 100 years is a tourist site, but most people don’t know that. That’s why those who established Ewaffe Cultural Village had the vision of reminding us about our roots—teaching us that culture is our foundation. A nation without culture is like a tree without roots,” he added.
He emphasized that while there are many aspects of tourism, history and heritage are key, as they connect Ugandans culturally, regardless of their regions.
Owek. Andrew Kigenyi Wansolo, the State Minister for Culture and Tourism in the Busoga Kingdom, urged the Top Cloud Rwenzori Adventures team to focus on marriage as an institution and teaching children about their culture as part of the History and Heritage Uganda campaign.
He pointed out that modernization has greatly contributed to cultural erosion, and many educated or religious individuals mistake observing cultural norms for practicing witchcraft.
“We Basoga are religiously cultural. Most people think observing your culture and practicing traditions is witchcraft; that’s false! I am a born-again Christian, but I also believe in and practice my culture,” Wansolo said.
He continued, “This campaign should focus on teaching children and youth about their cultures, names, languages, clans, tribes, and traditions because many of them have been overtaken by Western influences.”
Wansolo cited the example of bark cloth, which was traditionally produced in the Buganda, Busoga, and Bunyoro kingdoms centuries ago. However, it is now neglected in these kingdoms, even though Germany has shown interest in patenting it for its durability and high value.
In conclusion, Wansolo praised Ewaffe Cultural Village for promoting both cultural and ecotourism and encouraged Ugandans to protect the environment by planting trees, warning about the adverse effects of global warming and climate change.
About Ewaffe Cultural Village
Located along Nagalama Road in Mukono District, Ewaffe Cultural Village is a leading cultural and culinary tourism site in Uganda.
The village offers visitors opportunities to taste all traditional Ugandan dishes and participate in activities such as farm tours, cooking lessons, fishing experiences, pottery workshops, storytelling, and traditional board games, providing an unforgettable experience.
