Uganda Receives Return of Cultural Artifacts from Britain After Over a Century.
On June 8, 2024, Uganda welcomed the return of 39 cultural artifacts from Britain, marking the end of a chapter that began more than 120 years ago during the colonial period. The artifacts were delivered to Uganda by Qatar Airways, received by Deputy Minister of Tourism Martin Mugara, and Uganda Museum Commissioner Nyiracyiza Jackline Besigye at the airport.
The artifacts, which had been part of the collection at Cambridge University’s Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, include a variety of significant cultural items taken by colonial rulers, soldiers, researchers, and missionaries. Among the recovered items are a drum, a human hair headdress belonging to the Lango people, a gift from Ankole, a Buganda mythology piece, and five captive babies from the Wamala Masjid. These items will be on display at the Uganda Museum.
Commissioner Besigye noted that this is not the first time Britain has returned cultural heritage items to Uganda. On Uganda’s first Independence Day in 1962, the British embassy facilitated the return of the valuable costumes of Kibuuka Omumbaale, which are now housed in the Uganda Museum.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Chief Fred Bamwesigye, who was present at the delivery, expressed pride in witnessing this historic moment. The artifacts’ return signifies an important step in restoring Uganda’s cultural heritage and recognizing the country’s rich history.
An official handover ceremony will take place on June 12, 2024, at 6 PM at the Uganda Museum, where the Ministry of Tourism will formally receive the artifacts. This event highlights ongoing efforts to recover and preserve Uganda’s cultural heritage, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and learn from these significant pieces of history.