7 Outstanding Heritage Promoters Honoured at CCFU’s National Heritage Awards

On 20th May 2026, the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU), with support from Bread for the World, hosted the 7th National Heritage Awards at Hotel Africana.

The awards recognised seven outstanding Ugandans and institutions for their efforts in preserving and promoting Uganda’s cultural heritage.

The event was part of celebrations marking 20 years of CCFU’s work in safeguarding Uganda’s culture and heritage. Since 2006, CCFU has worked with communities, cultural institutions, artists, teachers, traditional leaders, researchers, and policymakers to ensure culture remains important in Uganda’s development.

Over the years, the organisation has supported community museums, promoted heritage education in schools, documented endangered cultural practices, strengthened cultural enterprises, and advocated for cultural rights. Through this work, CCFU continues to show that heritage is not only about preserving the past, but also about supporting education, tourism, creativity, social cohesion, and livelihoods.

As part of the celebrations, CCFU also organised a cultural exhibition featuring community museums and cultural enterprises from across Uganda. The exhibition showcased traditional crafts, indigenous products, storytelling, historical collections, and cultural innovations from different regions of the country.

Held every two years since 2013, the National Heritage Awards celebrate individuals and institutions making exceptional contributions to safeguarding Uganda’s heritage. So far, more than 36 heritage custodians have been recognised through the awards.

Calls to Protect Uganda’s Heritage

Speaking at the ceremony, CCFU Executive Director Barbra Babweteera stressed the importance of preserving Uganda’s rapidly disappearing cultural heritage.

She noted that cultural heritage is important for identity, education, social cohesion, innovation, and sustainable development.

Babweteera also highlighted the sacrifices made by many heritage custodians.

“These people we are awarding have invested their own resources into preserving heritage. Their efforts should not go unnoticed,” she said. Each awardee received UGX 2.7 million in recognition of their contribution.

The ceremony was presided over by Robert Muhiirwe and attended by cultural leaders, government officials, artists, educators, researchers, media practitioners, and community members from across Uganda.

CCFU Board Chair Sr. Dipio Dominica called on government to establish an independent Ministry of Culture to strengthen heritage protection efforts.

CCFU co-founder Emily Drani also emphasised the need for a Ministry of Culture, saying countries that value their identity should invest in culture.

Meanwhile, Bishop Robert Muhiirwe expressed concern that many young Ugandans increasingly see culture as outdated, while indigenous languages are often undervalued compared to English.

The 2026 National Heritage Awardees

Intangible Cultural Heritage

Nyende Nassan, popularly known as “Mata,” was recognised for preserving Kisoga music, language, and oral traditions for more than 70 years through storytelling and performance using the Galimunkumu (thumb piano).

Josephine Nalukwata was honoured for dedicating over 50 years to preserving indigenous medicine and supporting maternal health through traditional healing and midwifery.

Emmanuel Masereka was recognised for documenting and preserving Bakonzo indigenous knowledge related to herbal medicine, environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience.

Tangible Cultural Heritage

Vipawa Children’s Art Museum received an award for promoting cultural heritage among children through storytelling, crafts, visual arts, and performance.

St. Paul’s Cathedral Kako was recognised for preserving one of Uganda’s earliest church buildings dating back to the early 1900s.

Atube Mary was honoured for preserving Acholi artefacts, traditions, and indigenous knowledge through her home-based community museum in Kitgum District.

Media Category

Ronald Ssenvuma, a journalist with NTV Uganda and Dembe FM, was recognised for his cultural feature NAZZIKUNO, which highlights traditional Buganda practices and cultural heritage through television and radio storytelling.

CCFU noted that the awardees represent the dedication and resilience needed to ensure Uganda’s heritage remains alive for future generations.