Mediavision Academy attends the 6th Heritage Awards organized by the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda

Written by Daniel Massamba, Strategic Communication Specialist

The Mediavision Academy Director, Robert Nkambo, attended, on Thursday 3 October 2024 at the headquarters of KCCA located on Nakasero Hill in the central business district of Kampala, the prestigious Heritage Awards, celebrating outstanding contributions to the preservation of Ugandan’s cultural heritage.

Organized by the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU) that works to promote an appreciation of culture as vital for human development that responds to country’s diverse identities, and graced by the Lord Mayor of the City of Kampala, Erias Lukwago Ssalongo, this event provided a missing incentive – social recognition, publicity, and cash – through a Heritage Prize to individuals and organizations for their outstanding contribution to preserving and promoting the Ugandan’s heritage – whether built, natural, or intangible.

Robert Nkambo who was accompanied by the strategic communication consultant, Daniel Massamba Meboya, had the opportunity to listen to the keynote speaker, Dr. Spire Ssentongo, a Ugandan associate professor of Ethics and Research methods at Makerere University, on how colonization has profoundly impacted Uganda and its population, shaping its political, social, and economic landscapes.

Uganda, a nation rich in cultural diversity and historical significance, has a complex relationship with its colonial past. Celebrating Ugandan national heritage, particularly in the context of colonization, is essential for several reasons. “It allows us to acknowledge the struggles and resilience of our ancestors, fosters a sense of unity, and promotes a deeper understanding of our identity,” Dr. Spire Ssentongo told the audience that also learned about “Ubuntu,” a Nguni Bantu term meaning “I am because we are.”

Ubuntu embodies the essence of community, interconnectedness, and mutual respect. “In Uganda, this philosophy has deep roots, yet the colonial legacy has distorted its application, often reducing it to mere rhetoric rather than a lived reality. To truly embrace Ubuntu, Ugandan society must engage in a conscious effort to decolonize its mindset,” Dr. Spire Ssentongo concluded.

“By celebrating our national heritage”, the Lord Mayor of the City of Kampala said, “we honor the rich traditions, languages, and customs that survived despite these challenges. This recognition is vital for instilling pride in our identity and history.”

Promoting grassroots initiatives that embody Ubuntu can help restore its significance. Community-led projects that address local needs—such as cooperative farming, shared resources, and mutual support networks—can reinforce the values of interconnectedness and solidarity. By celebrating local heroes who exemplify Ubuntu in action, society can inspire a new generation to embrace these principles.

 

Member of the Uganda National NGO Forum and International National Trusts Organization, the CCFU is accredited to the UNESCO Inter-Governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It has partnered with Mediavision Academy over the years to create various content that endorses its mandate in Uganda.