The Uganda National Museum will close to visitors for ten months starting August 1, 2024, as announced by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities (MoTWA) on July 24, 2024. This closure aims to allow for extensive civil works to restore, refurbish, and modernize the facility.
The government, with financial support from the World Bank through the Additional Financing for the Competitiveness and Enterprise Development Project (CEDP-AF), will use part of the funds for cataloging, digitizing, training, and renovating the museum to meet international standards.
The museum, the oldest in East Africa, showcases Uganda’s rich cultural heritage through its collections of ethnological, natural history, and traditional life artifacts. Despite its significance, the museum has not seen substantial investment since 1954, with only minor additions in 1962, such as the Independence Gallery.
During the closure, the Ministry of Tourism encourages visitors to explore regional museums in Soroti and Kabale, as well as ten historical sites and monuments equipped with visitor amenities. These sites include Nyero Rock Paintings in Kumi, Sir Samuel Baker (Patiko) Fort in Gulu, Bigo Bya Mugyenvi in Sembabule, Kibiro Hot Salt Village and Springs in Hoima, Emin Pasha Site in Wedelai, and Dolwe Island Rock Paintings. The Department of Museums and Monuments also offers a mobile museum service available by prior booking.
The refurbishment project is expected to revitalize the Uganda National Museum, ensuring it continues to serve as a vital cultural and historical resource for the country.
| Facility | Status |
|---|---|
| Uganda National Museum | Closed from August 1, 2024, for 10 months |
| Soroti and Kabale regional museums | Open |
| Ten historical sites and monuments | Open |
The extensive renovation of the Uganda National Museum, financed by the World Bank, aims to preserve and enhance the museum’s role in showcasing Uganda’s cultural heritage.
