Sh3b spent on National Theatre renovation - Bigirimana 

PIC: Percussion Discussion Africa members entertain guests at the National Theatre in 2001. The theatre is under renovation and will soon offer better services to its users

The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Gender, Pius Bigirimana,  has revealed that sh3b has been spent in the renovation of Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC) also known as the National Theatre.

Addressing a press conference at the gender ministry premises in Kampala yesterday, Bigirimana said innovations at the national theatre will be unveiled to the public on Wednesday. 

"I am satisfied with the work which has been done at the national theatre. On Wednesday, we shall also express gratitude to the Government for the resources given to us for re-developing the theatre," he said.

Bigirimana also disclosed that during the launch of the innovations, all the cultural flags in the country will be raised as part of promoting it.

Bigirimana said National Theatre facilities are now working, including sound systems and called on people, especially the artistes to make good use of it. He also said the chairs and toilets have been repaired.

In the past, shows at the theatre have depended on producers hiring their own sound and light equipment in order to pull off a memorable showcase.

Nommo Gallery, founded and established in 1964 by the 1959 Act of Parliament, is Uganda's National Art Gallery and a component of the Uganda National Cultural Centre.

Bigirimana also refuted allegations that the national theatre was on sale, saying: "We have no intentions of selling the theatre land because it is a national asset."

Bigirimana added: "We shall preserve the National Theatre because we believe in promoting culture, which is a DNA for national development for a country." 

He said UNCC is important to the society because it promotes unity, identity  and cultural values of the people.    

Bigirimana also said they are planning to open more regional centres across the country so that the cultural centre can easily be accessed by the people.

The UNCC executive director, Francis Peter Ojede, said the issue of Nommo gallery is being handled by Parliament.

"Nommo gallery issue is beyond us, it is Parliament to resolve it," Ojede said.

Recently, Parliament directed security minister Gen. Elly Tumumwiine to vacate it or pay over sh1.6b outstanding rent arrears accumulated since 1998.

Nommo gallery located in Nakasero and founded in 1964 under the 1959 Act of Parliament, a component of UNCC,  features exhibitions of works of art.

Ojede revealed that they have partnered with a number of organisations to revive the National Theatre.

"Because of the poor hygiene, artistes had abandoned the theatre, but with the renovation in place, we are being flooded with many bookings," he said.