Sh370m spent to transport relics from UK
As the Qatar Airways plane landed at Entebbe International Airport, passengers squirmed, eager to witness this historic moment. Anxious citizens also gathered at the apron to receive the artefacts with palpable joy.
The anticipation was tangible. In the crowd were journalists, conservationists, members of the tourism fraternity and government officials—all eager to witness the homecoming of these rare and symbolic traditional regalia.
The return of these artefacts also marked a significant moment in Uganda’s history, symbolising the restoration of cultural heritage and the rectification of historical injustices.
The 39 relics, each with its unique story and cultural significance, had been scattered across various museums and private collections abroad for more than 100 years.
Some such as the Bunyoro traditional shield were looted in 1905. Others, especially the old-style Ankole pots, Lango and Acholi dresses were looted in 1913.
“This is a dream come true for many Ugandans,” Jackline Besigye Nyiracyiza, the acting commissioner of the museum at the tourism ministry, said.
“These pieces are not just art; they are embodiments of our ancestors’ spirits, traditions, and craftsmanship. Having them back is like reclaiming a part of our identity,” she said.
Also on display were ceremonial drums, intricate beadwork and regalia from various Ugandan kingdoms/chiefdoms that have been kept by the University of Cambridge for decades.
Their return was facilitated by collaborative efforts between the Ugandan government, cultural institutions, and international bodies advocating for the repatriation of cultural property.
“We are yet to decide on how to display them, but there will be a temporary three-day exhibition before the museum closes for renovation,” Nyiracyiza said.
This the second time Uganda has returned its cultural heritage artefacts from United Kingdom (UK). The first return occurred in July 1962 when Kibuuka regalia was repatriated ahead of Independence Day in October.
The return also comes at a time when African and European intellectuals have triggered debate over the need to return native items that were looted by colonialists in the 19th century. They argue that the rich cultural heritage and history of Africa will be fully restored once all stolen artefacts are returned.
The state minister for tourism, Martin Mugarra, said that although there are still many Ugandan artefacts occupying museums in UK, the June 8 consignment is the largest that Uganda has repatriated from Britain.
“We are grateful as a ministry for the funding support extended from the Andrew Mellon Foundation who facilitated the research and transportation of the important artefacts back to the communities. It took us over $100, 000 (about sh378m) to repatriate these artefacts,” he said.
“They will be housed in the Uganda National Museum, where they belong,” he added, noting that negotiations with the University of Cambridge to return the artefacts started in 2018.
The principal curator, Nelson Abiti, who oversaw the return of the artefacts noted that the artefacts belong to various regions, including Buganda, Ankole, Acholi, and Karamoja.
Among them are wooden and clay pots, intricately woven headgear, footwear, wraps, art pieces, and iron kitchen utensils.
“Previously, our story was told through the lens of what the missionaries, colonial masters, and Arab traders saw. But the returned pieces will tell it ‘from the horse’s own mouth,” Abiti said.
Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana and Cameroon have also repatriated some of their artefacts from UK.
