Muteesa I monument to cost shs200m

By Patrick Jaramogi

Construction of the Ssekabaka Muteesa I Foundation Monument will cost shs236 million, Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Sekandi has disclosed.

Sekandi who is also the chairperson of the Ssekabaka Muteesa I commemoration project said the monument that will be commissioned soon will be a good boost to the tourism industry.

He hailed the Ssekabaka Muteesa I Foundation for initiating the noble project of commemorating Kabaka Mutesa.

Under the project, a shs236 million monument will be constructed in memory of the demised King. The monument currently under construction at Katwe- Mutesa I roundabout will be commissioned by President Museveni.

Sekandi said such projects would boost tourism and develop Uganda’s cultural heritage. Muteesa I is known for building the foundation for Kampala City in 1874 when the first Arab traders arrived. Addressing the press at Forest Mall after receiving a cheque of shs46m from Select Garments, Sekandi said Select Garments would be granted a 50 year lease to artistically engrave the monument.

Robert Ahimbisibwe the select Garment Proprietor said since the demand for cultural heritage is increasing, there is need to develop tourism products based on the rich cultural history and on the diverse traditions of the Ugandan people.

He said partnering with the Muteesa I foundation was a sign of good closer working cooperation between the foundation and Ugandans.

These and other monuments are part of the monuments to be designed under the Department of Museums and Monuments in the Ministry of Tourism.