Bunyoro Kitara-Kingdom (BKK) yesterday (Tuesday) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Cross Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU), an NGO that focuses on the promotion of cultural preservation.
The ceremony was held at BKK offices.
The BKK Prime Minister Owek Andrew Byakutaga signed on behalf of BKK while Ms. Barbra Babwetera (the Executive Director) signed on behalf of CCFU.
BKK’s First Deputy Prime Minister & Culture Minister Owek Nyendwoha Mutiti and Mr Simon Musasizi, the CCFU Heritage Trust Program Manager signed as witnesses.
The ceremony was attended by officials from Total Energies, Hon. Wairindi Wilson, BKK’s Minister of Production, the media and BKK staff.
Speaking during the ceremony, the BKK Prime Minister said BKK welcomes partnerships that support and compliment the Kingdom’s efforts to fulfill its core mandate of preserving culture and the overall objective of improving on the quality of life of the people.
He said oil developments and other changes are impacting on the culture of Bunyoro-Kitara.
He said the Kingdom will enhance working with the government and other development partners to protect culture amidst the various developments in the region.
He appreciated CCFU and Totalenergies for accepting to partner with the Kingdom as per the MOU.
Under the MOU, BKK and CCFU agreed to work together to protect and preserve important cultural sites and intangible heritage in Bunyoro, promote public-private partnerships in environmental & wildlife conservation, strengthen cultural systems, enhance inter cultural dialogue to foster social cohesion and harmony, utilize cultural knowledge & resources to enhance development initiatives and to work with young people to promote and appreciate their culture.
The MOU will be operational for three years with a possibility of extending the same after the two parties consenting.
Ms. Babwetera appreciated BKK for building on the previous support and collaboration which BKK had been having with CCFU.
At the same time, CCFU with support from Total Energies EP Uganda supported heritage club members from 7 schools in Buliisa to visit heritage sites in Bunyoro. The purpose of the visit was to enhance young people’s appreciation of cultural heritage preservation and promotion and to inspire their participation in its protection. Young people from West Nile and Acholi will have similar visits this week.
CCFU previously supported the renovation of some cultural sites and documentation of some cultural practices.