MPIGI — A new push to preserve Buganda’s cultural heritage is gaining momentum after the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities partnered with leaders of the Ndiga clan to accelerate plans for the development of a cultural museum and mausoleum at the clan’s ancestral grounds in Mbaale village, Mpigi District.
The initiative aims to transform the historic site into a leading cultural tourism destination while preserving the legacy of Kibuka Omumbaale, one of Buganda’s celebrated legendary warriors and founding figures of the Ndiga clan.
Clan elders, cultural leaders, tourism officials, and district representatives recently toured the proposed site and surrounding heritage landmarks linked to Omumbaale’s history. Among the areas visited were sacred cultural sites believed to hold deep historical and spiritual significance to the clan’s identity and Buganda’s heritage.
Ndiga clan head Omutaka Eliya Lwasi Buzaabo described the project as a long-term investment in cultural preservation and education for future generations.
“This project is not only about constructing a museum. It is about protecting our identity, telling our story, and ensuring that young people appreciate the values and history of their ancestors,” he said.
Buzaabo explained that the museum will showcase historical artefacts, oral traditions, cultural records, and symbolic items connected to the Ndiga clan and Buganda’s warrior history. He added that the site is also expected to become a modern tourism hub with visitor facilities, recreation spaces, accommodation, and cultural learning centers.
Tourism stakeholders believe the project could significantly boost domestic tourism in Mpigi District while creating employment and business opportunities for surrounding communities.
Officials from Mpigi District welcomed the development, saying the district intends to integrate cultural heritage sites into a broader tourism circuit that can attract both local and international visitors.
The Special Presidential Assistant for Bataka Affairs, Henry Lutwama, welcomed the initiative and said it reflects the growing national commitment towards protecting Uganda’s cultural identity and historical heritage.
Lutwama noted that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has consistently emphasized the importance of culture as a foundation for patriotism, identity, tourism development, and national unity.
“His Excellency the President believes that cultural heritage is not backwardness, but a national asset that must be preserved and modernized for future generations.
Across Uganda, we are seeing increasing support for initiatives that protect traditional institutions, historical sites, clan heritage, and indigenous knowledge systems,” Lutwama said.
He added that the development of the Ndiga clan museum and ancestral heritage site is aligned with the President’s broader vision of using culture and tourism as tools for socio-economic transformation.
“The President understands that heritage tourism creates jobs, attracts visitors, strengthens community pride, and preserves the values that define us as Ugandans. Projects like this one are important because they connect young people to their roots while also contributing to local economic development,” he added.
Lutwama further commended the Ndiga clan leadership for taking proactive steps to safeguard Buganda’s history and encouraged other clans and cultural institutions to document and preserve their heritage sites before they disappear.
“This should serve as an example to other clans and communities across the country. If we preserve our heritage today, we shall leave behind a stronger cultural foundation for the next generation,” he said.
Representatives from the Buganda Tourism Board praised the Ndiga clan for taking the lead in preserving indigenous heritage, noting that many traditional sites across Buganda risk being forgotten if deliberate conservation efforts are not undertaken.
The Ministry of Tourism reaffirmed its support for the project, emphasising that clan eased heritage tourism has the potential to strengthen cultural pride, preserve history, and contribute to Uganda’s growing tourism economy.
Once completed, the museum is expected to become one of Buganda’s key heritage landmarks, highlighting the enduring legacy of the Ndiga clan and the historical contribution of Kibuka Omumbaale to the kingdom’s history.
