By Sadique Bamwita
ENTEBBE
The government of Uganda through the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities on Saturday 8th June, 2024, returned 39 cultural heritage artifacts from Cambridge University.
These precious historical pieces were erroneously taken from Uganda during the 1890s and early 1900s by British colonial Administrators, anthropologists, Missionaries, and soldiers.
The historical artifacts arrived at Entebbe International Airport aboard Qatar Airways from London in the United Kingdom and had been wrapped and placed in crates.
The state Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Martin Mugara revealed that the human artifacts were taken from Buganda, Bunyoro, Lango and Ankore during the 19th and 20th centuries.
While receiving the artifacts, Magara noted that there are still numerous Ugandan tourism products in the United Kingdom and that the returned ones contribute the biggest delivery from all Africa. However, he expressed optimism that they would greatly increase on the available tourism products in the country.
“We have managed to return the artifacts which had been housed at Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology for more than 100 years after protracted negotiations between Uganda and Cambridge University,” Minister Magarra disclosed.
The Acting Commissioner in charge of Museums and Monuments at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and antiquities, Jackline Nyiracyiza Besigye explained that among the returned artifacts are the five human remains, the Balongo-sacred twins from Buganda kingdom picked from Wamala tombs.
“I am delighted to announce that this was the second time Uganda is returning its cultural heritage artifacts from Cambridge University Museum. The first consignment was returned in July 1962, during the eve of independence celebrations, when the Kibuuka Regalia were repatriated,” Mrs. Jackline Besigye revealed.
Prof. Derrick Peterson who lectures museum and anthropology at Michigan University said it’s normal for African identity that had been stolen by white supremacists to be restored so as to tell the rich cultural heritage and history of Africa.
