Uganda celebrates World Culture Day with refugee communities at National Theatre

Uganda marked World Culture Day with a vibrant celebration featuring refugee communities showcasing fashion, art, and drama.

The event took place last Thursday at the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC), popularly known as the National Theatre.

The festivities began with a colorful march by refugee groups, covering over 200 meters around the National Theatre.

Organised by UNCC and supported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Norwegian Refugee Council, the event highlighted the rich cultural contributions of refugees living in Uganda.

Held under the theme “Culture and Creative Industries: An Opportunity for National Identity and Employment Creation,” the celebration emphasized refugee participation.

Attendees included refugees from South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Guests explored cultural exhibitions and enjoyed performances featuring traditional songs, poetry, and fashion displays.

Francis Peter Ojede, Executive Director of UNCC, who represented the Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, underscored the government's commitment to culture as a key driver of sustainable development. He noted that the ministry is actively working to support the creative sector by strengthening copyright protections and promoting cultural entrepreneurship and innovation.