The Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Martin Muggara, has revealed that the Ministry of Tourism is undertaking the development of museums and heritage sites as part of a broader strategy to diversify tourism products and extend the length of tourist stays in Uganda.
“Our target is to increase the average tourist stay from the current 8.7 days to more than 10 days,” Minister Muggara said. “The Ministry is finalizing a site museum at Mugaba Palace in Mbarara and constructing another in Moroto District to serve the Karamoja sub-region and surrounding areas.”
He added that the Ministry also plans to develop equator landmarks, such as the Kikorongo Equator point in Kasese, to enhance roadside tourism infrastructure. Other planned projects include the development of the Fort Portal Museum, sites in Kyenjojo, Mutanda Caves in Kisoro, Kibiro in Hoima, Patiko in Gulu, and Arua Museum, among others.
The Minister made these remarks during the national celebrations for International Museums Day 2025, held on Sunday at the newly established Kabale Regional Museum in Kabale Municipality.
This year’s celebration, under the theme “Preserving Heritage, Transforming Communities,” marks the second time the event has been hosted outside Kampala, following Gulu City in 2023.
This decentralization demonstrates the government’s commitment to expanding tourism development across the country.
Minister Muggara also highlighted that the Ministry has developed a Strategy for Museums and Monuments (2023/24–2029/30), which is currently being revised to align with the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV) and its corresponding implementation action plan.
“The goal is to conserve cultural heritage resources for sustainable tourism development for current and future generations,” he stated. “I am pleased to announce that with the new legislation and the approval of Schedule II of the Museums and Monuments Act 2023 (Cap 149) by Parliament, we are well-positioned to achieve this goal.”
He expressed gratitude to the Parliament of Uganda, particularly the Tourism Committee, for their support in establishing a robust legal framework for the museums and monuments sub-sector.
“I want to assure Ugandans that despite the challenges posed by rapidly changing communities, my Ministry is committed to sustainably preserving these sites and museums for future generations,” he affirmed.
The Minister also urged stakeholders in the heritage sub-sector to collaborate with the Department of Museums and Monuments to ensure the successful development of these cultural assets for the benefit of all Ugandans.
Representing the Permanent Secretary, Doreen Katusiime, the Commissioner for Museums and Monuments, Geoffrey Seremba, an undersecretary in the Ministry encouraged Ugandans to protect, preserve, and promote the country’s cultural heritage as a national asset that can drive tourism and improve livelihoods.
“Uganda’s cultural heritage is rich and diverse. By developing and promoting our museums, sites, and monuments, we can boost cultural tourism and reduce poverty in our communities,” Seremba said.
He noted that this year’s celebrations offer the Kigezi region an opportunity to showcase its unique heritage — including traditional cuisine, dances, and historical sites — and raise awareness about the importance of preserving cultural identity for tourism development.
“For the past two days, a team of tourism enthusiasts led by our tourism ambassadors Golola, Fik Fameica, and Pastor Twina has toured various sites in the region. I want to recognize their efforts in promoting domestic tourism,” he added.
Seremba concluded by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to the continued development of museums and heritage sites throughout Uganda.
