Buganda kingdom stakeholders trained on UNESCO convention

23 December 2024, 6:20 pm

By Nakazi Mercy

In a bid to promote cultural heritage and preservation, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recently organised a training initiative for stakeholders in the central region, with a focus on the Buganda Kingdom.

The training, which took place at the Buganda Heritage and Tourism Board (BHTB) at Lubiri in Mengo, a Kampala suburb, aimed at educating stakeholders on UNESCO conventions and recommendations under culture. Mr. Daniel Kaweesi, the Uganda National Commission for UNESCO’s culture heritage programmer, led the training.

According to Kaweesi, the training was designed to equip stakeholders with knowledge on UNESCO conventions under culture, including the 2003 Convention on Intangible Heritage and the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

The 2003 convention encompasses performing arts, knowledge and practices concerning nature, social practices, and festive events, among others. The 2005 convention aims at protecting and promoting cultural expression.

Kaweesi also highlighted the purpose of the conventions, including safeguarding, respect, awareness, mutual appreciation, international cooperation, and assistance. “We want to ensure that our cultural heritage is preserved for future generations and that it continues to play a vital role in our identity and development as a nation,” he said.

Mr. Rashid Lukwago, the youth representative on the Buganda Lukiiko, appreciated UNESCO for organising the workshop. “The training is an eye-opener for us, and I am committed to applying the knowledge gained to promote and protect our cultural heritage,” he said. He also encouraged participants to share their experiences and challenges in preserving cultural heritage and to identify ways in which they can work together to promote and protect it.

Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, the executive director of the Vice Chancellors Forum, emphasised the importance of culture during the training. “Culture is a route to go, it’s like a tree with long tap roots. All developing countries valued their language,” he said.

Lugujjo also noted that the youth have a significant role to play in promoting and preserving cultural heritage. “The youth are here today because they have a lot of value to the Buganda Kingdom, and are encouraged to work and respect their culture,” he added.

The training initiative is a significant step towards promoting cultural heritage and preservation in the Buganda Kingdom. Stakeholders are eager to apply their newfound knowledge to protect and promote their cultural identity.