The State Minister for Gender and Culture, Peace Mutuuzo, has said Uganda will tomorrow join the rest of the world to commemorate World Culture Day.
The day will be held under the theme, “Uganda’s Rich Cultural Diversity, Opportunities for Social Development’, peddled at creating awareness on the importance of cultural diversity in relation to social development.
Currently, there are 65 indigenous communities in Uganda with diverse norms, values, practices knowledge, experiences and skills and domains. The variety calls us to strengthen the way we preserve, identify, organize, sustain and express ourselves.
Among the significance, cultural leaders have always led by example to denounced cultural practices contributing negatively to the development of the country and spearheading campaigns against the spread of HIV/AIDS, Gender-based Violence, Sickle cells and Sexual and Reproductive Health.
According to Mutuzo, government has moved a long way to promote diverse cultures through restoration of traditional or cultural institutions like Buganda kingdom in 1993 and have played a critical role in passing on diverse cultures to the young population.
“As the minister responsible for culture, it is my duty to inform you that the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda provides for the promotion of culture that is consistent with the fundamental human rights and freedoms.” She noted.
She further said “The ministry has documented key practices in different communities to help preserve culture. It has been done in communities like Ike in Karamoja, Busongola in Kasese, Acholi in the northern region, Alur in Nebbi district, to mention but a few.”
She said government has continued to support and participate in different cultural festivals including the East African Arts and Culture Festival such as JAMAFEST, which will take place in September from 21st to 28th in Dar Es Salaam, the United Republic of Tanzania.
“Culture as we know, evolves and must be in line with the global trends. It is in this regard, that I call upon the young generation first appreciate their cultures as they explore their creativity in the global world.” She said.
She applauded communities, Cultural Institutions and individuals playing a major role in the proclamation, recreation, safeguarding, maintenance and promotion of cultural heritage, which help to enrich our cultural diversity and human creativity.
