The Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU), in partnership with the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), will commemorate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on Thursday, 8th August 2025.
This year’s global theme, “Indigenous Peoples’ Right to Self-Determination: A Pathway for Food Security and Sovereignty,” underscores the urgent need to recognise and support Indigenous Minority Groups (IMGs) whose cultural heritage, access to land, and traditional livelihoods remain under threat.
In Uganda, this annual commemoration has become a key platform for dialogue and action. This year’s event will bring together representatives from Karamoja, Rwenzori, Elgon, and West Nile regions, along with government officials, civil society organisations, and development partners, to spotlight challenges and advance collective solutions.
“This is not just a celebration, it’s a call to action,” says Barbra Babweteera, Executive Director of CCFU. “When we protect the rights of indigenous communities, we preserve the wisdom, diversity, and resilience that are essential to Uganda’s future.”
As co-organisers of the event, the Equal Opportunities Commission is amplifying its mandate to promote fairness and inclusion.
“Every Ugandan deserves equal opportunity, including Indigenous Minority Groups who are often forgotten in mainstream development,” said Ms. Petua Nabirye, of the EOC. “This dialogue is an important step toward ensuring that government policies reflect the voices and rights of all communities, regardless of size or influence.”
Over the years, CCFU has worked with various IMGs to promote cultural rights, build capacity, and strengthen livelihood opportunities. This includes support for women-led cultural enterprises, documentation of oral traditions, development of community museums, and the establishment of regional advocacy platforms.
“For the first time, our stories are being told by us, not for us,” said Emmanuel, Chairperson of the Rwenzori Indigenous Minority Platform. “Through this partnership, we have gained visibility and a stronger voice to engage our leaders on what matters to our communities.”
Beatrice, a craft maker from the Basongora community, is one of the women who has turned cultural heritage into a sustainable business with CCFU’s support.
“The training and grant helped us see value in our traditional crafts,” she shared. “We now make jewellery, mats and baskets that we sell at exhibitions and markets. Our group earns regular income, and I can now afford school fees for my children. Our heritage is no longer just history, it’s a livelihood.”
The day will feature a cultural exhibition, dialogue sessions, and opportunities for networking to foster stronger collaboration between IMGs and decision-makers.
Since its inception by the United Nations in 1994, the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples has served as a global reminder of the rights, struggles, and contributions of indigenous communities. CCFU’s annual event brings this spirit of recognition and solidarity to the national level, ensuring Uganda’s Indigenous Minority Groups are seen, heard, and supported.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Communications Desk
Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU)
Email: ccfu@crossculturalfoundation.or.ug
Phone: +256 (0) 393 294 675/ 703 975 812
Website: www.crossculturalfoundation.or.ug
