The Kabale Regional Museum and Cultural Center in Kabale Municipality, is grappling with a lack of visitors despite its relocation to the Bunyonyi tourist road. Established in 1978 under the Department of Museums and Monuments in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, the public museum is located in Northern Division, Kabale Municipality, approximately 8 kilometers from Lake Bunyonyi.
It narrates the cultural and traditional story of the predominantly Bakiga people in the Kigezi sub-region. Despite the 2014 government decision to strategically shift its location from Kabale town to Ibumba Cell in Rutooma Ward, along the frequently used Bunyonyi road for tourists heading to Lake Bunyonyi, the cultural center is struggling to attract visitors.
Horace Edgar Mukiza, the Museum attendant, revealed that since its relocation in 2014, the museum has registered fewer than 10 visitors per month, mainly university students conducting research. The local neighboring communities have shown little interest, with attendance being notably low.
Mukiza attributed the challenge to Banyakigezi parents who no longer educate their children about their culture and tradition. He also pointed out that the government had not invested enough in marketing tourism in the antiquities sector.
In interviews with locals, including Gerald Kanyankore from Kabale District and Bright Aheibwomugisha from Rubanda District, blame was placed on the Museum Management for not conducting sufficient sensitization about the Museum. Mr. Kanyankore mentioned missing traditional items during his visit and urged the management to acquire more art crafts.
Ronald Mwebebesa, a Boda boda motorcyclist in Kabale Municipality, suggested that the museum should offer free entrance to locals since it is a public facility managed by staff whose pay comes from the government. The entrance fee for Ugandans is Shillings 5,000, while foreigners pay Shillings 15,000.
The Kabale Regional Museum, established in 1978, underwent closure in 2007 due to the repossession of its building by Indians. The current location was acquired in 2005, and after construction, the museum reopened in September 2014.
It houses ethnographic collections, providing insights into the historical background, cultural history, economic and political history, and various aspects of the Kigezi people’s lives. Despite these rich offerings, the museum faces challenges in attracting local visitors, prompting calls for increased awareness and possibly free access for the community.
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