The newly appointed board of trustees of the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC) has firmly rejected rumors suggesting that their tenure was intended to facilitate the sale of the iconic National Theatre, a historic landmark in the country.
During their inspection of the premises and other properties affiliated with the center on May 7, 2024, the chairperson of the board, Prof. Opio Okaka, dismissed these claims as baseless and aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the new board.
Okaka made it clear that their primary responsibility is to protect, preserve, and enhance the assets of the center, unequivocally stating that there are no intentions to sell any properties under the UNCC’s jurisdiction.
“We have no intentions whatsoever to sell any assets of the UNCC. Such rumors are likely spread by individuals who oppose progress. Our role is to uphold the integrity of the center and safeguard all its possessions,” asserted Okaka.
Furthermore, Okaka outlined plans for the renovation of the National Theatre to bring it up to international standards, with the goal of providing greater support and opportunities for artists and performers.
In addition to renovation plans, Okaka disclosed that the board is considering the construction of additional structures within the National Theatre premises. These structures aim to not only enhance the revenue generation capabilities of the center but also to provide additional exhibition spaces for artists.
It’s worth noting that there have been speculations within the creative community regarding the potential sale of the National Theatre to make room for the development of a commercial arcade. Concerns about the deteriorating condition of the facility had been raised in both 2021 and 2023, particularly amidst declining theater audiences due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many performances to move online.
However, the vice-chairperson of the board, Phina Mugerwa, challenged the notion that theater’s relevance was dwindling. She highlighted the enduring significance of theater in shaping Uganda’s social landscape through educational, informative, and entertaining productions.
“The rise of the internet does not diminish the importance of theater. We have strategic initiatives aimed at revitalizing theater culture, with the objective of attracting large audiences back to Ugandan theaters, just as in the past,” emphasized Mugerwa.
