Development without memory is hollow, warns minister Butime

JINJA - Tourism, wildlife and antiquities minister Col. (Rtd) Tom Butime, has cautioned against urban modernisation that isolates citizens from their roots, saying the government will not tolerate the creation of communities without memory, identity or cultural depth.

Speaking during the national celebrations for International Museum Day 2026 at the rugby grounds in Jinja city on May 18, 2026, Butime emphasised that preserving Uganda’s tangible and intangible heritage is no longer only a cultural obligation, but also a vital economic and national security strategy.

The event, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities in partnership with the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training College (UHTTC), was held under the international theme “Museums Uniting a Divided World” and Uganda’s national theme “Museums as Bridges of Unity and Shared Heritage.”

Retaining identity amidst globalisation

Addressing a diverse audience of cultural leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, students and youth, Butime noted that while Uganda is rapidly modernising its cities, transforming its economy and embracing globalisation, development must never erase local heritage.

"A nation that neglects its heritage risks losing its identity, cohesion, and historical consciousness—development that disregards culture creates societies disconnected from their roots and uncertain about their future," Butime warned.

He insisted that heritage conservation must remain central to national planning and governance, urging Ugandan cultural institutions and museums to evolve into centres of innovation, inclusion and national dialogue that inspire patriotism and critical thinking.

The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Col. (Rtd) Tom Butime (2nd R) joined by Doreen Katusiime (R), the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Mirjam Blaak (3rd R) the Netherlands-born Ugandan Ambassador to Belgium, in cutting a cake while at celebrations to mark the International Museums Day at the Jinja Rugby grounds on May 18th. Looking on is UHTTC's Principal Richard Kawere (3rd L). (Credit: Donald Kiirya)

The Jinja challenge: keeping tourists engaged

The Minister described the choice of Jinja city to host the 2026 celebrations as deliberate and strategic.

Beyond its reputation as a historic hub associated with the Source of the Nile and Uganda's industrial dawn, Jinja serves as a critical crossroads for commerce, culture and tourism.

Using Jinja as a case study, Butime challenged urban planners across Uganda to rethink how they manage visitors. He posed a fundamental question to local leaders regarding the tourism value chain:

“If a visitor arrives in Jinja at 10 o'clock in the morning and is going to spend the night here, how do you occupy that tourist?”

To address this, the minister advocated for every Ugandan city, town and municipality to build robust local infrastructure catering for both domestic and international visitors, focusing on modern libraries to anchor intellectual and historical research, comprehensive museums to provide a snapshot of local history such as the rich heritage of the Busoga Kingdom, and botanical gardens to showcase regional flora alongside evening recreational centres such as theatres and cultural spaces.

Economic dividends of cultural tourism

The tourism ministry reaffirmed that cultural tourism remains one of the fastest-growing global sectors.

In line with Vision 2040 and the National Development Plans (NDPs), Uganda is prioritising investments in museums and monuments to unlock socio-economic benefits.

Government investments and diversification

Doreen Katusiime, the permanent secretary in the tourism ministry, revealed that they have refurbished the Mugaba Palace Heritage Site in Mbarara city while preserving its original architectural identity, advanced the construction of the Karamoja Regional Museum in Moroto, and undertaken preservation works at the Mwanga-Kabalega heritage site at Kangai in Dokolo district.

She said these investments reflect the government’s recognition that museums are not merely custodians of the past, but strategic institutions for education, tourism development, innovation and national unity.

The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Col. (Rtd) Tom Butime (3rd L) and Doreen Katusiime (C) the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Tourism handing over a prize to students of St. James Secondary School after emerging winners in the secondary school quiz competition while at celebrations to mark the International Museums Day at the Jinja Rugby grounds on May 18th. (Credit: Donald Kiirya)

Katusiime added that the Ministry has gazetted several historic buildings and heritage sites, including Parliament of Uganda, the National Theatre, Namirembe Cathedral, Rubaga Cathedral, Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, Luba Thurstone heritage site, and several historical buildings in Jinja City and local governments, among others, to strengthen legal protection and heritage conservation across the country.

She noted the enactment of the Museums and Monuments Act in 2023, which recognised more than 300 cultural and natural heritage sites.

Katusiime thanked the national and local organising committees, ICOM Uganda, Busoga Kingdom and numerous partners. She particularly commended the active participation of students through heritage quizzes, debates, exhibitions and innovation contests, describing them as future custodians of Uganda’s identity.

Youth, culture and diplomacy

Mirjam Blaak, the Netherlands-born Ugandan Ambassador to Belgium, who described herself as a “Mzungu” fully embraced by the country, urged Ugandan youth to appreciate their homeland.

“You have the most beautiful country in the world,” she said, noting that many Ugandans abroad wish to return.

Drawing from her tourism background, she praised efforts to make museums more engaging for young people through interactive displays and described the Jinja celebration as a strong prelude to an upcoming international tourism exhibition.

Edward Munaaba general duties minister in the Office of the Prime Minister of Busoga Kingdom, who represented Dr Joseph Muvawala, the Busoga kingdom prime minister, at the event, reinforced the message by describing museums as living centres of education, identity, culture and community wisdom, and linked cultural preservation to environmental stewardship.

He was accompanied by the Issabalangira (Chief Prince) of Busoga Kingdom, Samuel Zirabamuzale Nkuutu, who is also the Menhya of Bugweri chiefdom.

The new Jinja mayor, Alhaji Abdulhafidh Nagaya, welcomed the event and expressed readiness to collaborate with the Ministry to establish a museum in Jinja and further develop tourism.

Jinja RCC Salim Komakech also spoke, recalling recent commemorations at the Railway Museum and praising the Minister’s commitment to conserving both cultural artefacts and natural forests.

Call to action

Speakers collectively called for stronger heritage education in schools and universities, greater youth engagement, protection of historical buildings amid urbanisation, and continued investment in cultural infrastructure.

The principal of UHTTC, Richard Kawere, highlighted how cultural elements such as traditional cuisine can teach younger generations about their roots and promote community harmony.

The celebrations featured exhibitions, public dialogues, storytelling and student performances, underscoring that museums are active agents of social transformation rather than passive storage facilities.