TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF THE UGANDA NATIONAL MUSEUM

KAMPALA, Wednesday, July 24, 2024 — The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities (MoTWA) announces the temporary closure of the Uganda National Museum for ten (10) months, effective from August 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025. This closure will facilitate civil works aimed at restoring, refurbishing, and modernizing the facility.

The Government of Uganda, with financing from the World Bank under the Additional Financing for the Competitiveness and Enterprise Development Project (CEDP-AF), is using part of the funds to undertake the cataloguing, digitizing, training, and restoration/rehabilitation/renovation of the Uganda National Museum to meet international standards.

The Uganda National Museum, the oldest museum in East Africa, stands as a testament to our rich cultural heritage. It houses ethnological, natural history, and traditional life collections that are a source of national pride. Despite its historical importance, the museum has not seen significant investments since 1954. Although a few additions were made in 1962, including the Independence Gallery, these areas, along with the Natural History Gallery, are now in need of rehabilitation.

During the temporary closure of the Uganda National Museum, the regional museums in Soroti and Kabale will continue to serve the public. Additionally, 10 historical sites and monuments with visitor amenities will remain accessible. These include Nyero Rock Paintings in Kumi, Sir Samuel Baker (Patiko) Fort in Gulu, Bigo Bya Mugyenyi in Sembabule, Kibiro Hot Salt Village and Springs in Hoima, Emin Pasha Site in Wedelai, Dolwe Island Rock Paintings sites, and others.

Moreover, the Department of Museums and Monuments has a comprehensive outreach program of mobile museum services, which can be accessed by prior booking.

For any inquiries and or further information, please reach out to the following telephone contacts:

+2562009998882;+256200999880,+256200999881 or

Email: ugandamuseums@tourism.go.ug,