Buliisa, Uganda – July 9, 2025 – In a significant step toward preserving Uganda’s rich cultural heritage, the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU), in partnership with TotalEnergies EP Uganda (TEPU), officially launched two important cultural education resources at Kisomere Primary School in Buliisa District. The newly unveiled Bagungu Folk Stories Collection and the Heritage Education Toolkit (Primary Level) are set to enhance heritage education among learners in Uganda’s Albertine region.
The launch event brought together a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including cultural leaders, local government officials from Buliisa and Nwoya Districts, school administrators, teachers, heritage club patrons, learners, and media representatives. Also present were representatives from the Bugungu Heritage and Information Centre and the Lugungu Language Board.
This initiative is part of the Heritage Education Project (HEP), an ongoing programme aimed at reconnecting school-aged children with their cultural identity and values. Since its inception, the HEP has grown significantly—operating in more than 50 schools across Buliisa and Nwoya districts. With support from TotalEnergies EP Uganda, the number of heritage clubs in these districts has risen to 28 in each, up from just 6 in Buliisa and none in Nwoya in 2022. More than 100 teachers have been trained to facilitate the clubs, making cultural education a vibrant part of school life.
“Between 2015 and 2016, we were concerned that heritage could be erased due to oil and gas activities,” said Godfrey Lukwago, Stakeholder Engagement Manager at TotalEnergies EP Uganda. “As we implement the Tilenga project, we want the Bagungu, Banyoro, Acholi, and Alur to retain their heritage. These publications are just the beginning. We welcome feedback to guide future resources for all cultural communities.”
At the core of the launch were two newly published resources:
- Heritage Education Toolkit (Primary Level): This practical guide is designed for educators to integrate heritage education into school curricula. The toolkit explores five key thematic areas: cultural identity, cultural expression, cultural approaches to livelihoods, environmental protection, and the appreciation of heritage.
- Bagungu Folk Stories Collection: A bilingual (Lugungu-English) compilation of 20 traditional stories from the Bagungu community. These stories serve as both a repository of oral tradition and an educational tool to foster cultural understanding among young learners.
Speaking at the event, Godfrey Muhumuza, Sports Officer representing the Buliisa District Education Officer, acknowledged the importance of the materials:
“There has been a gap in the availability of quality learning resources. The books donated today will significantly support our learners. We need to help our children learn the best practices embedded in our cultures.”
The Bagungu people, indigenous Bantu-speakers residing along the northeastern shores of Lake Albert in Buliisa District, have traditionally relied on fishing, herding, and hunting. However, their cultural lifestyle has been increasingly threatened by environmental changes and expanding oil and gas developments. With an estimated population of 122,995 (2024 Census), efforts like this one are seen as timely and crucial for cultural preservation.
The new publications also build on the Culture for Livelihood (CUL) Project, which began in 2022 and supported local cultural enterprises in crafts and music. By placing youth at the heart of cultural transmission, CCFU and TEPU aim to ensure long-term preservation of Uganda’s diverse traditions.
Silvester Tumukamurate, Resident District Commissioner and guest of honour at the launch, emphasised the importance of access to the new resources:
“We don’t want to find the books unused. Let the children borrow and read them. I also encourage parents to provide a conducive reading environment at home.”
About CCFU and the Heritage Education Programme
The Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU) is a registered NGO dedicated to promoting the role of culture in sustainable development. Through its Cultural Heritage Safeguarding and Promotion programme, CCFU supports the Heritage Education Project, working with more than 20 community museums and nearly 240 schools across Uganda as of 2025.
