Uganda to Host International Museum Day 2026 Celebrations in Jinja
Frank Semata 
The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA), through its Department of Museums and Monuments, has officially announced that Uganda will commemorate International Museum Day (IMD) 2026 in Jinja on Monday, May 18, 2026.
Speaking during a media briefing in Kampala, Minister of state for tourism Hon Martin Mugarra revealed that this year’s celebrations will be held under the global theme “Museums: Uniting a Divided World” and the national theme “Museums as Bridges of Unity and Shared Heritage.”
The themes underscore Uganda’s commitment to using cultural heritage as a tool for reconciliation, inclusion, and sustainable development.
The 2026 IMD celebrations are aligned with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
SDG 8.9 – Promoting sustainable tourism that creates jobs and supports local culture
SDG 16 – Advancing peace, justice, and inclusive societies
SDG 17 – Strengthening global partnerships for sustainable development
Through international collaborations, Uganda has made significant strides in cultural preservation, including the repatriation of artifacts from global institutions.
These include returns from the UK’s Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Kenya’s Karamojong collections of the 1960s, and most recently, artifacts from the Netherlands collected between 1965 and 1967 by psychiatrist Cor Blok during his time at Butabika Hospital.
Some of these repatriated artifacts which are over 50 years old will be unveiled to the public during the celebrations in Jinja, marking a major milestone in reclaiming Uganda’s cultural heritage.
The Ministry emphasized that museums are increasingly being positioned as safe spaces for dialogue, learning, and reflection
Efforts are underway to develop and promote key historical sites such as:
- Barlonyo Memorial Museum
- Kabalega-Mwanga site
- Fort Patiko
These sites are expected to play a critical role in promoting peace, unity, and shared cultural identity across Uganda.
The Ministry highlighted tourism as a key driver of Uganda’s economic transformation under Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV).
In 2024 alone, Uganda’s tourism sector generated USD 1.3 billion (UGX 5 trillion) and supported over 800,000 jobs.
Officials noted that museums are central to this growth, serving as catalysts for cultural tourism, innovation, and community-based development, ultimately contributing to poverty reduction.
Aline up of activities has been organized leading up to international museums day
May 5, 2026: National Cultural Heritage Conference at Hotel Africana
May 10, 2026: Heritage Marathon from Kitante Primary School, Kampala
May 14–15, 2026: Schools Heritage Quiz Competitions in Jinja at UHTTI
May 16–17, 2026: Heritage outreach programs, exhibitions, and CSR activities in Jinja
May 18, 2026: Main celebration featuring a cultural parade from the Uganda Railway Museum to Jinja Rugby Grounds
