The Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU) has launched Phase III of its Heritage Education Programme (HEP) in Buliisa District and Nwoya District. This follows the successful closeout meetings for Phase II on 18th and 19th February 2026, where teachers, local leaders, and stakeholders reflected on the programme’s impact and planned for the future.
Phase II showed how heritage education can change schools. Students became more cooperative, developed teamwork skills, and gained pride in their cultural identity. In Buliisa, the District Education Officer said students were even using cultural knowledge to create income opportunities. Mr. Gilbert Byakagaba, a teacher shared, “Students are more confident and work better together. They now take pride in their traditions and can even use them to support their families.
Phase III, supported by TotalEnergies EP Uganda, will build on this success. CCFU will train 68 existing heritage club patrons on a new heritage education toolkit and start 30 new heritage clubs in both districts. Field research will document the Alur community’s intangible cultural heritage. Students will also take part in district-level Music, Dance, and Drama competitions, and project success stories will be shared in the media to inspire more communities.
Local leaders stressed the importance of sustainability. The Nwoya District Vice Chairperson and Buliisa’s Speaker of Council encouraged lobbying for more government funding and integrating heritage activities into district budgets. Mr. Muhumuza Godfrey, who leads the programme on behalf of the district said, “With new influences in the Albertine region, preserving our heritage is more important than ever. Our youth must not only observe their culture, they must actively preserve it.”
Simon Musasizi, the Project Lead at CCFU added, “This programme helps students understand and celebrate their heritage. Phase III will expand opportunities and ensure heritage education continues to grow sustainably. We want young people to become active participants in preserving their culture.”
Phase III gives youth in Buliisa and Nwoya a chance to connect with their culture. It teaches them to appreciate and protect their traditions. As one student put it, “I feel proud to know our songs, dances, and stories. I want to share them with my little brothers and sisters so our culture continues.” CCFU continues to support young people to take an active role in keeping their heritage alive for future generations.
