Annual Report - Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda(CCFU)

Documentation: Reflections
Our case studies, where cultural resources
such as knowledge and values, have been
used to address present day development
challenges, show that culture, though subtle
and often not recognised, remains a strong
aspect of society in Uganda. We however need
to deepen our understanding of the local
context where the root causes of these
challenges– and probably their solutions – are
located. This requires shifting our focus from a
sorry state of permanent “poverty, ignorance
and disease” to exploring inherent cultural
sources which motivate and empower
communities as key actors, rather than as mere
recipients of development. It also requires a
shift in perception from culture as something of
figurative value (using culture as a development
tool) to a deeper understanding in terms of
values, systems, motivation, and synergy
between local and wider worldviews.
Knowledge generated on ‘culture in
development’ needs to reach wider audiences
– supporters and promoters of culture, as well
as those outside this category, working on
issues of governance, human rights, and
economic development. This will foster
sharing of experiences, collective analysis,
and the incorporation of culture in
development initiatives.
Policy advocacy and influencing
perceptions
“Influencing the negative perceptions of culture is
one of the main challenges CCFU will face” we
have repeatedly been told by practitioners
engaged in programmes to promote culture. Such
negative perceptions are however slowly
changing, with renewed interest at national level
in relation to education and health, and at