By eastafrican gazette
The ministry of gender, labour and social development and the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC) commemorated the world culture day, on May 21, 2024.
The National Theatre in Kampala served as the venue for the main event, which witnessed the presence of various representatives from the art and culture as well as the Ugandan entertainment industry.
The event was held under the theme “Digital Transformation of the creative sector industry, addressing art and culture as a national public good”.
The day was declared by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) under the United Nations General Assembly, Resolution No 51/249 and its why Uganda has been commemorating from 1999.
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Various cultural activities took place, encompassing cultural dances, exhibitions, and performances by different performing groups including: Clever Origin Primary School, DJ Languna from Northern Uganda, the renowned culture performer Albert Sempeke, as well as Halima Namakula and Rachael K, among others.
Public lectures and presentations were also held to discuss the digitization of the arts industry and explore ways to make it commercially sustainable for all.
The lectures were delivered by Professor Wasswa Balunywa, former Principal of Makarere University School, Charles Batambuze, former deputy chairperson of the National Culture Centre, Professor Rowland Byagaba Muwado, and Elizabeth Kyazike, a lecturer in heritage studies at Kyambogo and Makerere University.
UNCC Executive Director, Francis Peter Ojedde said the creative industry is slowly recovering from the effects of covid 19 because the National Theatre has been booked up to December.
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“The National Theatre is fully booked and it’s a sign that the creative industry is recovering from the effects of covid 19,” he said.
In her keynote address, the State for Gender and Culture Peace Mutuuzo said the purpose of this day is to create awareness among the public on the importance of culture in development, deepen understanding of the norms, values of Cultural Diversity and appreciate Uganda’s heritages.
“It provides a platform for Governments, organizations and individuals or groups of cultural practitioners to share and celebrate the Ugandan rich and diverse cultural heritages. The day is further intended to review progress, identify challenges and map out strategies for overcoming them,” she said.
She said Uganda’s Constitution Article 37 provides that: every person has a right as applicable to belong to, enjoy, practice, profess, maintain and promote any culture. Uganda is also a member of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
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“The key objective is to mobilize the public and raise awareness of the importance of culture and the need to strengthen the sector for socio-economic transformation 11. The day provides an opportunity to deepen understanding of cultural diversity’s values and advances the four goals of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression adopted on 20th October, 2005” she added.
She also rewarded rapper Akram Kabuubi aka Zedmonk Ssabatontomi with an award.
She rewarded him with the award for making history for the Longest Rap Marathon by an Individual.
Zedmonk made the record on Sunday, May 5th, 2024, at Namaste Restaurant in Kampala and made a record of a 72-hour rap record.