Tourism and cultural heritage enthusiasts from the Kigezi sub-region have participated in the International Museum Day (IMD) sports gala, marking the beginning of celebrations leading up to the IMD 2025 national event.
The vibrant gala, held on Saturday at Kabale University in Southern Division of Kabale Municipality, attracted thousands of cultural heritage supporters.
Organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, the event is part of a series of activities designed to promote cultural awareness, heritage preservation, and forward-looking innovation.
This year’s national IMD celebration is scheduled for Sunday, 18th May 2025, in Kabale Municipality, South Western Uganda. The theme, “Preserving Heritage, Transforming Communities,” aligns with the International Council of Museums’ (ICOM) global theme, “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.”
The celebration aims to raise awareness of the vital role museums play in preserving history, culture, the environment, and the arts. Museums serve as platforms for cultural exchange, fostering mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace among diverse communities.
Since 1977, museums around the world have commemorated International Museum Day by organizing engaging and often free activities centered around a shared annual theme.
This year’s theme aligns with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, specifically:
SDG 8: Promoting sustainable economic growth by creating jobs and educational opportunities that empower local communities.
SDG 11: Supporting sustainable cities and communities through inclusive cultural hubs that foster resilience and heritage conservation.
The IMD 2025 celebration in Kabale will feature a range of events and entertainment, with appearances by prominent influencers and local artists including Fik Fameica, motivational fighter Moses Golola, and gospel singers Pastor Herbert Twina and Gabbie Ntaate, among others.
Beyond entertainment, the celebration reinforces the importance of museums as centers of knowledge, curiosity, critical thinking, and community dialogue.
The previous IMD celebrations were hosted in Gulu City in 2023 and Soroti City in 2024, with this year’s event expected to be equally impactful and memorable.
