KCCA launches 51 historical buildings, sites in Kampala

By Cecilia Okoth

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has launched a historical buildings' map showing 51 historical buildings.

The map entitled "Kampala's Historical Buildings and Sites-Our valuable but vanishing Heritage", is meant to preserve the city's history that shaped the country's identity.

At the launch, KCCA's Executive Director Jennifer Musisi described the milestone as a worthy cause, saying culture and history is what makes us as Ugandans.

 (L-R) Ambassador of Ireland Donal Cronin, Board Chairperson Uganda Tourism Board; James Tumusiime, Programme Advisor at the Cross Cultural Foundation of Uganda; John De Coninck, Executive Director of the Cross Cultural Foundation of Uganda Emily Drani and Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority Jennifer Ssemakula launching the map of Kampala’s Historical Buildings and sites at KCCA Offices on 19/11/2015. Photo by Mary Kansiime 

She however admitted that not much effort had been made to preserve the sites, citing the need for strengthening the law and increasing awareness on restoration.

"There is so much out there that needs to be preserved and as people get to these places, they will begin to appreciate the value they contain," Musisi said.  
 

 Ambassador of Ireland Donal Cronin interacting with Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority Jennifer Ssemakula while Programme Advisor at The Cross Cultural Foundation of Uganda, John De Coninck (second left) and Executive Director of the Cross Cultural Foundation of Uganda, Emily Drani (second right) look on after the launch of  the Kampala’s Historical Buildings and sites map at KCCA Offices on 19/11/2015. Photo by Mary Kansiime 

The identification of the historical cites was done by the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU), KCCA, Uganda Tourism Board, Buganda Heritage and Tourism Board and the Uganda Museum.

CCFU is a national not for profit non-governmental organisation that promotes the recognition of culture and as vital for human development that responds to our national identity and diversity.

Some of the sites include St Mary's Cathedral Lubaga, St Paul's Cathedral Namirembe, Uganda Museum, St Luke and St Katherine Wards, Mengo Hospital, Busega Martyrs Memorial, Fort Jesus Building at St Peter's School Nsambya and the Makerere Main Building.

Others are Namasole Maasombira's palace, Old Kampala Police station, Makerere Main building, Old Mitchel hall, Makerere University, Kibuli Mosque, The Bahai House of Worship, Mengo Primary school, Kasubi Tombs and Old Mulago Hospital Buildings.

At the same event, Donal Cronin the Ambassador of Ireland to Uganda called for the retention of tree line streets and proper maintenance of the buildings.

He said building for the future and preserving from the past need to go hand in hand. "We need to know who we are, where we are going and where we have come from.