Kampala, Uganda – Alliance Française Kampala (AFK) in partnership with Goethe-Zentrum Kampala, with support from Franco- German funding have launched a month long program series of activities aimed at engaging Ugandans into global conversation on cultural restitution.
Although, Uganda’s cultural heritage suffered extensive losses during the colonial period (1894–1962), with countless artefacts taken abroad. While independence in 1962 brought early efforts at resti tution, decades of political instability slowed progress.
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Although, Uganda has made significant strides, such as the 2022 return of royal regalia to the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom and the 2024 restitution of 39 artefacts from the University of Cambridge, it’s by a few individuals in the country, despite of of the fact that it’s a matter of public Interest.
The “Ethics of Loaning project running” launched at Alliance Francaise Kampala, on Wednesday, is aimed at creating creating an inclusive platform for dialogue about the Cultural heritage as well as increasing public awareness about Uganda’s restituted artefacts.
“At Alliance Française Kampala, we carry this mission with pride. Our role is to bridge divides between languages, cultures, and histories. Through the Ethics of Loaning program, we reaffirm our dedication to open and inclusive dialogue on shared heritage. Importantly, this conversation is not reserved for museums and institutions alone. It must include artists, scholars, communities, and especially young people, whose voices will shape the future of this discourse.” Remarked Loic Boivin, Director Alliance Francaise, Kampala.
He also emphasized that, Uganda’s role in this global conversation is essential, through bringing urgency, authenticity, and leadership to international debates on restitution
“As we open this program and enter into a month of exchanges, performances, and discussions, I invite all of us to imagine a future where cultural heritage is not viewed only as relics of the past, but as living resources for justice, creativity, and understanding.”
Barbara Emolot, Culture Program Coordinator at Goethe-Zentrum Kampala, pointed out that working with other partners, decided to come up with this initiative in order to bridge the information gap on Artefacts which exists between Ugandans and other African countries with Artefacts which were taken to Europe during the Colonial days.
“Last year, we established that we had done a lot of things, but we had not touched on the cultural heritage. We held discussions and realized that we had to handle Artefacts Conversation which according to various sources it was very vibrant in West African Countries and Kenya, but Uganda was a bit behind.”
She added that, the initiative of coming up with an idea of film screening and an exhibition of some of the returned Art facts, will catch people’s attention and thus result into debates/discussions which will help them to understand more about their cultural heritage.
“Restitution is a usual talk in many countries unlike here in Uganda where it has been done at a higher level which is not public. It became more popular after the French President, re-igniting the talk.” Remarked Phillip Balimunsi, a Curator at Nommo Gallery, where the Exhibition is going to be held,
He also added, that since the returned have several restrictions on exposure and storage, it raises a number questions which can only be answered through discussion and engagement with several key stakeholders at the Exhibition.
The Public will participate in the exhibition scheduled to take place at Nommo Gallery Kampala, from October 3–24, 2025, beginning with an opening ceremony on October 3 at 5:00 PM, Free of Charge.
