The Cross-Cultural Foundation-CCFU’s National Heritage Awards 2023 have honored a total of six individuals and organizations for their contributions to the preservation and safeguarding of Uganda’s cultural and social heritage.
These awards, which were first given out in 2013, are intended to honor and commend those who have worked to promote Uganda’s cultural heritage.
In contrast to prior occasions, this year’s honorees totaled six, with the media personality award going to journalist Bismac Amumpaire of Next Media, who received the most nominations, according to the event’s organizers.
The Francis Walakira family of Mpambire on Masaka Road received the first prize in the intangible category for more than 75 years of successfully passing down the art of producing traditional drums within the family.
This family is also responsible for the renowned Mujjaguzzo band drums, which are played by the monarch on important royal occasions.
Judith Kirya received a prize in the same category for her work promoting herbal medicine and using it to heal illnesses, which she has been doing for more than 20 years and through which she has influenced the lives of numerous individuals.
Mercy Mirembe Ntangaare, a lecturer at Makerere University’s School of Performing Arts, received the final award in this category for her work promoting oral literature and traditional music.
The Makerere University College of Health Sciences received the top prize in the category of tangible heritage for its work in preserving unique medical records at the Albert Cook Library since 1897.
The university is also praised for keeping Albert Cook’s personal writings and his body’s ashes, which are still stored there. Albert Cook, who established Mengo Hospital, is credited with establishing modern medicine in Uganda.
The other person in this group is Hana Longole, who founded the Ateker Cultural Center in Moroto, a location that highlights the native Karamojong way of life.
Longole stated that after learning about the massacre of Karamojong people who were attempting to stop modernism from erasing their culture, she was motivated to build this institution.
The last in this list is the Ankole Diocese, which won praise for founding the African Revival Museum, which has been there for more than 50 years with a track record of deeply instilling Christian ideals in its associates. The museum illustrates the relationship between culture and religion. It also takes pride in having created devout Christians who upheld their Christian principles while respecting cultural norms.
According to Jan Sadek, the ambassador of the European Union to Uganda, Ugandans should feel appreciative of their social and cultural legacy since it shapes future progress and fosters a sense of community among the populace.
According to him, “We believe that cultural heritage holds significance for any country because it fosters a sense of shared identity and solidarity that is crucial for the country’s advancement.”
According to Sadek, the EU is now taking into consideration support for the preservation of cultural assets, the way it manages infrastructure and other sectors.
According to Barbra Babwetera, executive director of the CCFU, these awards were created to raise awareness of cultural heritage preservation in the nation and are mostly given to persons who have chosen to specialize in this field.
She stated that they anticipate the government embracing the program and improving it.
“In order to recognize and respect the sacrifices of our own people and what they are doing to preserve our legacy, she added, “We hope and thank that even the government of Uganda, may take it up from where we are and even multiply it to make it better.”
