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 a period of ten(10) months effective August 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025 to allow for civil works to be undertaken to restore, refurbish and modernise 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 applying part of the proceeds to among others undertake the cataloguing, digitizing, training, and restoration/rehabilitation/renovation of the Uganda National Museum to 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, until now. Whereas, a few additions were made in 1962, including the Independence Gallery, which is in need of rehabilitation, as well as the Natural History Gallery.

During the temporary closure of the Uganda National Museum, the regional museums in Soroti and Kabale will continue to deliver services to the public. Besides, 10 historical sites and monuments with visitor amenities can also be accessed by the public. 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.

In addition, the Department of Museums and Monuments has a comprehensive outreach programme 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,