Travel and conservation journalist Bismac Amumpaire wins cultural heritage press award
“I am very fascinated by the rich history and cultural heritage of the places I visit, and I strive to convey the stories and traditions of these communities in my scripting.”
Frank Semata 
Journalist Amumpaire Bismac Moses, best known for crafting interest stories in line with tourism and wildlife, climate, nature, conservation and cultural heritage has been awarded.
This was during the 5th National Heritage awards organized by Cross-Cultural Foundation for Uganda, Bismac was among the 7 awards who were recognized.
The National Heritage awards recognize individuals, families, organisations and achievements that contribute to promoting, preserving, researching and safeguarding heritage.
The Awards identify and promote best practices in the promotion of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, and increase public awareness and appreciation of Uganda’s cultural heritage, and encourage further excellent initiatives through exemplar cases as these awarded.
After a span of over 12 years of travel and cultural journalism, Amumpaire has been awarded following keenly the extra work that he has been putting out.
Bismac Moses Amumpaire posing for a photo with other winners
Barbra Babweteera, Executive Director, Cross Cultural Foundation of Uganda said the selection of a media award was almost the toughest; but all judges came to the conclusion as per the impact created by the winner's journalism works.
“Bismac is so passionate about exploring the world and sharing its wonders with others. With a keen eye for detail and a love of storytelling, he has always sought out the hidden gems and unique experiences that make each destination special.” Said Babweteera.
She added that, “His works have been driven by a deep appreciation for conservation, culture, nature and the environment, with belief in the power of travel to inspire culture preservation and environmental stewardship.”
On his note, Bismac said, “I am very fascinated by the rich history and cultural heritage of the places I visit, and I strive to convey the stories and traditions of these communities in my scripting.”
He added that, “I have produced and hosted over 250 episodes at NBS TV alone with a wider span of 500 episodes in my overall journalism career; with a deep aspect of heritage, culture, conservation and rich tourism content.”
Bismac says he is going to use the award package to further enrich on his research on forming a journalism and media museum for archives, creating educational and training programs for the current and next generation of journalists.
“I believe this will shed light on important social, cultural and political issues, and hence contribute to a more informed and engaged public." He noted
“This I believe, could gradually, help to promote the importance of quality journalism and its role in shaping public discourse and awareness as far as cultural preservation and development is concerned.”
The head of European Union of Uganda, H.E Jan Sadek said that the role of journalists can't be out of the equation while promoting the culture of a nation, and went thanked the winner (Bismac) and asked others to emulate him.
“With a combination of curiosity, insight, and a dedication to accuracy and integrity, I he has taken pride in bringing the world to his viewers and in promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of our shared planet.”
Below are some of the few links to his previous works;
Culture of cattle keepers and cultivators
Amin Torture Chambers-Heritage Tourism
Culture of Batwa indigenous people
Seven Heritage Awards have been presented to;
Tangible Heritage Awards Category
- The Ankole Diocese in Mbarara for establishing the East African revival Museum
- Hana Longole of Moroto for her lead role in the establishment and management of the Ateker Cultural Centre in Moroto
- The College of Health Sciences at Makerere University that has preserved rare medical records at Albert Cook Library
Intangible Heritage Awards Category
- The Francis Walakira Family located at Mpambire, along Masaka road. These are royal drum makers and have passed on the knowledge and the rear skills to generations
- Judith Bakirya of Jinja for conserving and promoting indigenous/herbal medicine
- Dr. Mercy Mirembe Ntangaare for promoting oral literature, traditional music. Dr. Mirembe is an Associate Professor of Drama/Theatre, a playwrighter and folklorist.
Heritage Press Award
- Bismac Amumpaire for consistently reporting on cultural heritage promotion and involving in practical work regarding culture’s contribution to environmental conservation
This year, winners received Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Shillings Cash, an award and special recognition in the heritage promotion fraternity.
