The workshop
On the 12th of May 2022, the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU) convened the Lord Mayor, Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) representatives, owners of historic buildings, Uganda National Commission for UNESCO, architects and the media in a meeting to raise awareness about the need to safeguard historic buildings, sites and monuments in Kampala.
This meeting was also a platform for the current Council members to be oriented on KCCA’s Historical Buildings and Sites Ordinance and also interact with the different stakeholders.
Urgency to protect Kampala’s built heritage
Kampala, which is a country gifted with diverse cultural, natural and built heritage, is immensely facing consequences of urbanisation, rapid population growth and the pressing drive for modernity which have created a constant demand for new, higher-density development, often on plots which are already occupied by historical buildings and sites. Many valuable built and natural heritage sites have been already lost forever. The risk of losing further this heritage is real, and needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.
“With the effects of modernity taking its toll on Kampala, places of historical and cultural significance have been demolished whilst surviving ones are dwarfed by new ones. These places beautify our cities, contribute to tourism and distinguish them from each other. It is therefore urgent to protect them. CCFU has supported KCCA since 2013 to enact an ordinance that protects historic places.” Barbra Babweteera, the Executive Director, CCFU
Ms. Victoria Kayaga from the Buganda Heritage and Tourism boarded asked KCCA to not authorise developers that build sky scrapers that dwarf historic buildings.
Kampala Capital City Authority’s Historical Buildings and Sites Ordinance
In 2017, CCFU supported efforts aimed at the promulgation of Kampala’s “The Historic Buildings’ Ordinance” which provides for;
- The preservation and protection of historical monuments and objects of archaeological, palaeontological, ethnographical and traditional interest and for other matters connected therein.
- To retain and enhance historic buildings in Kampala City and to encourage their adaptation to current use; and encourage the restoration or rehabilitation of historic buildings.
While speaking on behalf of the Lord Mayor, Ms. Olivia Namazzi, the Public Health Executive Assistant at KCCA said that “We are confident that our legislative agenda this term will have this ordinance in place as our success story.”
For the last 3 years, KCCA has consulted different stakeholders and it has held committee meetings and retreats to review the ordinance. In the previous Council, the ordinance was read twice, and it is our humble prayer that the current Council will pass it.
About CCFU and its efforts to safeguard Uganda’s built and natural heritage
CCFU is a local non-governmental organisation established in 2006 to promote the appreciation of culture as vital to human development that responds to our diverse identities. Our work hinges on three programme areas, which are; cultural heritage safeguarding and promotion, cultural rights promotion and managing cultural diversity.
In Uganda and elsewhere in the world, buildings, sites and monuments of historical and cultural significance provide character and identity to cities, towns and villages: their location and architectural design reflect the way of life associated with traditional governance, colonial administration, religious affiliation and peaceful co-existence, commerce and trade, as well as relationships between Uganda and other nations. These sites and buildings indeed reassure people about the existence of life before the present day, while reflecting ambitions that may or may not be realised.
In this era of globalisation, with fast changing identities and aspirations, the importance of conservation for the benefit of future generations cannot be overlooked. Historical buildings and sites are irreplaceable, and this is why CCFU, with the generous support of the European Union documented historical buildings, sites and monuments in 4 cities (Kampala, Jinja and Entebbe and Fort Portal). Outputs such as maps, a book (titled, Beyond the Reeds and Bricks; Historical sites and buildings in Kampala, Entebbe and Jinja), and a mobile application were produced, displaying the hidden treasures of these cities. A railway museum has also been established in Jinja City. CCFU has embarked on a crowd funding campaign to document and promote historic properties in Mbale city.
For further information, please contact us at ccfu@crossculturalfoundation.or.ug/trust@crossculturalfoundation.or.ug; Tel, 0393294675