Cambridge University returned 39 cultural artefacts to Uganda which was taken by the British colonial administrators, over 100 years ago.
Civil Aviation Authority being led by the Director General Fred Bamwesigye handed over the artefacts to the State Minister for tourism and the acting commissioner of museums and monuments at the Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities, Nyiracyiza Jackline Besigye at Entebbe airport on 8/06/2024.
These artefacts have been kept in the Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in the United Kingdom.
The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities has received 39 cultural heritage artefacts which were taken from Uganda during the 1890s and early 1900s by British colonial administrators, anthropologists, missionaries, and soldiers.
“This important addition will increase tourism products and boost tourism and cultural heritage of the country,” Minister Mugarra said
He added that the ministry will continue to analyse the artefacts at the Uganda Museum and is expecting all Ugandans and foreign visitors to see the historical objects returned from Europe.”
Jackline noted that this is not the first time for the Cambridge University to return cultural artefacts. The first return occurred in July 1962, during the independence celebrations, when the Kibuuka Regalia were repatriated.
She added that among the artefacts are five human remains, the Balongo from Buganda picked from Wamala tombs.
Professor of museum and anthropology at Michigan University, Derrick Peterson expressed that it is natural for African identity that had been stolen by white supremacists be restored to tell the rich cultural heritage.
The returned artefacts are to be officially handed to the Ministry of Tourism at a function that is to take place on 12/06/2024 at the Uganda museum.
