Uganda Calls for African-Led Solutions in World Heritage Conservation

Uganda has called on African nations to assume a leading role in defining global heritage conservation priorities, emphasizing the need for actionable strategies that enhance regional collaboration and sustainable development. The appeal was made by Doreen S. Katusiime, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, during her address at the launch of the Fourth Cycle of Periodic Reporting in Africa for National Focal Points in Kampala.

The workshop, which runs through October 31, 2026, brings together regional experts and stakeholders to improve the implementation of the World Heritage Convention. Katusiime stressed that African countries must move beyond passive participation and actively shape the frameworks governing heritage management. She cautioned against producing bureaucratic strategies that remain unused, insisting that the resulting Regional Action Plan must translate into concrete commitments.

Highlighting the economic value of cultural resources, Katusiime noted that heritage is vital to Uganda’s broader development goals. Tourism is positioned as a key driver to help achieve the country’s ambitious tenfold economic growth target by 2040. By diversifying tourism products through cultural preservation, Uganda aims to encourage visitors to extend their stays and increase economic impact.

Beyond national ambitions, Katusiime advocated for deeper continental cooperation, encouraging African nations to share expertise, research, and institutional capacity instead of relying heavily on external assistance. She pointed out that Africa possesses abundant local knowledge and experienced professionals capable of tackling mounting pressures such as climate change, rapid urbanization, and resource limitations. Furthermore, she urged heritage professionals to support the African World Heritage Fund’s endowment fund to secure long-term financial independence for the continent’s preservation initiatives.

Read the full details on the Nile Post.