On 29th April 2026, the Uganda Media Centre turned into a meeting point of memory, identity and ambition as the country officially launched the celebrations for International Museum Day 2026. Journalists, cultural leaders, tourism ambassadors and government officials gathered with a shared understanding that museums are no longer quiet spaces of the past they are living bridges shaping the future. Uganda’s journey with International Museum Day has steadily grown since 2010. What began as a centralized celebration in Kampala has, since 2023, transformed into a moving national experience, taking culture closer to communities across the country. This year, that journey leads to Jinja City in Busoga, where the main celebrations will take place on 18th May 2026.
Speaking at the launch, the State Minister for Tourism, Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, announced the global theme, “Museums: Uniting a Divided World,” alongside Uganda’s national theme, “Museums as Bridges of Unity and Shared Heritage.” His message was clear and grounded: museums are not just about preserving objects; they are about healing divides, strengthening identity and building a shared future. This year’s celebration carries weight beyond symbolism. It is deeply anchored in the Sustainable Development Goals, connecting culture to real impact. It speaks directly to SDG 8.9 by promoting sustainable tourism that creates jobs and supports local culture. It aligns with SDG 16 by advancing peaceful and inclusive societies, and SDG 17 by strengthening partnerships that drive sustainable development. In this framing, museums are not side players but active contributors to national and global progress.
Through partnerships with institutions across Europe and Africa, Uganda has made remarkable strides in reclaiming its heritage. In a short period, 2,008 artifacts have been returned to the country. These include collections from the Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in the United Kingdom, the late John Wilson’s Karamojong collection from Kenya, and most recently, objects repatriated from the Netherlands from Mr. Cor Blok. These items, once taken far from home, are now part of a growing effort to restore cultural memory and dignity.
Among the highlights of the launch was the unveiling of three of the 43 recently repatriated artifacts. These pieces, which had spent over 50 years in the Netherlands, will be among the key attractions during the celebrations in Jinja. Beyond their physical presence, they carry stories that are still being uncovered. Research is ongoing to trace their exact communities of origin, a process that reflects both care and responsibility in restoring history to its rightful place.
Uganda’s positioning on the global stage is becoming increasingly clear. Through cultural diplomacy, the country is presenting its heritage not just as a national treasure, but as a contribution to global understanding. This direction aligns with the African Union Agenda 2063, which emphasizes cultural identity and shared values as drivers of the continent’s transformation.
At the heart of this movement is the recognition of museums as safe spaces—places for dialogue, learning and reflection. The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, through the Department of Museums and Monuments, is actively investing in sites that carry deep historical meaning. Places such as Barlonyo Memorial Museum in Lira, the Kabalega-Mwanga site in Dokolo, and Fort Patiko in Gulu are being developed not only as heritage sites, but as spaces that promote peace, unity, and collective memory. These efforts are reinforced by the Museums and Monuments Act, which ensures that Uganda’s historical sites are protected for future generations. It is a reminder that preservation is not a passive act, it is something that requires commitment, collaboration and a shared sense of responsibility across institutions and communities.
The economic importance of this work is equally significant. Tourism remains one of Uganda’s key growth sectors under Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan IV. In 2024 alone, tourism generated 1.3 billion USD, equivalent to 5 trillion Uganda shillings, and created over 800,000 jobs. Within this context, museums are emerging as powerful drivers of cultural tourism, offering opportunities for innovation, storytelling and community development.
International Museum Day 2026 is therefore not just a celebration. It is a statement about the role of culture in shaping economies, creating opportunities, and reducing poverty. It is about using heritage as a foundation for growth that is both inclusive and sustainable. The roadmap to the main event in Jinja is already set, with a series of activities designed to engage different audiences. From the Third National Cultural Heritage Conference on 5th May at Hotel Africana, to the Heritage Marathon on 10th May starting at Sheraton Kampala, the celebrations are building momentum across the country. Schools will take part in heritage quiz competitions in Jinja, while community outreach programs, exhibitions and public engagements will bring culture closer to the people in the days leading up to the main event.
On 18th May, Jinja will come alive with a ceremonial band march from the Uganda Railway Museum to the Jinja Rugby Grounds, marking the peak of the celebrations. It will be a moment that brings together history, community, and national pride in one powerful expression.
Looking ahead, the Commissioner of Museums and Monuments, Ms. Jackline Nyiracyiza Besigye, shared another milestone: the reopening of the Uganda National Museum later this year in September. Alongside it, a dedicated gallery will honor the work of the late John Wilson, further strengthening the country’s commitment to preserving and interpreting its heritage.
Her message to the youth stood out with quiet urgency. Museums are not just for historians or tourists but spaces where young people can create, innovate and build careers. In a rapidly changing world, culture offers a unique space to stand out, to tell stories differently and to shape narratives that matter.
As the launch came to a close, one thing remained clear. International Museum Day 2026 is not just about marking a date on the calendar. It is about reconnecting people to their roots, restoring what was lost, and using heritage as a bridge toward unity. In a world that often feels divided, Uganda is choosing to tell a different story one where museums do not simply hold the past, but actively shape a more connected and understanding future.