The CCFU 2017 Annual Report - Final

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Pastore Draolega, curator at the Madi Community Museum, with the UNESCO-inscribed o’di lyre
Welcome…
Page
From our Board Chair and Executive Director 2
2017: changing contexts, activities and prospects:
a. Promoting a ‘Culture in Development’ approach 3
b. Cultural rights, governance and managing diversity 6
c. Cultural heritage preservation and development 10
The year at CCFU 13
Latest publications 15
11 years of CCFU in figures 16
A word of appreciation 17
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A word from…
Our Board Chair
We all like to develop and transform our lives and
societies for the better. However the dominant
development-model that permeates and influences
our ways of thinking, living, doing and relating,
treats our cultures and values as, at best, an
exploitable resource, or at worst, an impediment to
“modernisation”. Consequently the progress of each
successive generation is measured by how far it has
culturally distanced itself from its roots including the
umbilical or mother tongues. This is one way in which
African creativity, knowledge and value systems have
been stunted. By the same token, the doors have
opened wider to the generation and veneration of
cultural, spiritual, political, technological and business
“copycats” that pass for
“role models”, “success
stories” and “benchmarks”
in our country.
It is against this background
that the spirit and scope of
CCFU’s activities deserve
the applause and support
of all “cultural activists” and other partners as a vital
contribution not just to “culture-in-development”
but to the deeper process of cultural restitution and
epistemic justice.
Prof. Luutu Mukasa
Our Executive Director
It is when the right to culture is restricted or denied
that the true value of culture isappreciated. Despite
the drive for economic empowerment, the Cross-
Cultural Foundation of Uganda has encountered many
communities across the country that consistently
express anxiety about the loss of their cultural heritage
for various reasons. Indigenous minority communities
are for instance constantly struggling for recognition
of their cultural identity and the restoration of their
dignity amidst oppression and marginalisation.
In 2017, we however witnessed the spirited
protection of ancestral land, demands for access to
traditional knowledge, cultural spaces and cultural
expressionsthrough language, social and religious
practices by large and small communities alike –all
challenging Ugandans’ widespread
opinion that culture is irrelevant
in the current context. Changing
perceptions requires concerted
efforts and partnerships and
solidarity at national and
international levels therefore
remains an essential mode of
operation for civil society and
heritage - focused organisations.
This report illustrates how the Foundation has
contributed to preserving Uganda’s diverse cultural
heritage in collaboration with its different partners
and associates.
Emily Drani
2

2017: changing contexts,
activities and prospects
a. Promoting a “Culture in
Development” approach
3

ÂÂThe programme context
An appreciation of culture and its contribution to
development is becoming more evident, nationally
and beyond. States across the globe have ratified legal
instruments to protect their natural, built and intangible
cultural heritage, to promote cultural expressions and
cultural diversity, and to protect biosphere reserves.
The Sustainable Development Goals make explicit
reference to the role of culture in development.
Uganda’s Constitution recognises “cultural and
customary values that are consistent with the fundamental
human rights and freedoms, human dignity and
democracy…which may be developed and incorporated
in all aspects of Ugandan life”. In spite of this, Ugandans’
common understanding of culture often remains
narrowly focused on music, the performing arts,
traditional food and dress, art and crafts and on a
few cultural sites, all of which contribute visibly to
cultural tourism and employment. The contribution
of cultural values, systems, knowledge and resource
persons to social cohesion and nation building are
rarely explored. The link with education and moral
upbringing, peaceful co-existence, a sense of belonging
and dignity, creativity and wealth creation are similarly
overlooked.
ÂÂCCFU’s interventions
The Foundation’s mission and strategies are premised
on the conviction that the positive aspects of culture
can contribute to social transformation and sustainable
development. In 2006, CCFU conceived the notion of
a ‘Culture in Development’ approach and has since
refined this approach to respond to issues arising
in the local context such as managing cultural
diversity, cultural controversies linked to cultural
rights vs. human and women’s rights, and a deeper
understanding of intangible cultural heritage.
The Foundation utilises its training guides to address
questions raised by diverse stakeholders regarding the
link between culture and development. CCFU also
offers tailor-made training to support development
CCFU therefore seeks to contribute to a
better understanding of culture’s contribution
to development through research and capacity
building. This reflects the limited literature and
experience available from development partners
on integrating culture in development thinking
and practice. In 2017, CCFU produced a case
study entitled: “In the Name of Conservation –
The eviction of the Batwa from Semuliki Forest”,
examining the consequences of advancing a
conservation agenda which is oblivious to cultural
heritage.
This study, the 24 th produced by CCFU to date,
describes the consequences of evicting the Batwa
community in Bundibugyo from the forest, the
negative impact this had on their livelihood and
cultural heritage, and the policy vacuum that made
this possible.
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partners integrate culture in development practice
by reviewing their strategic plans, existing development
programmes and approaches. In 2017, CCFU
for instance worked with the Alur Kingdom to better
define and design strategies to address elements of
culture in their strategic plan. A Culture in Development
training course for development practitioners is
planned for 2018.
Working with the Alur Kingdom to review
its Strategic Plan
ÂÂReflections and prospects
Since its inception in 2006, CCFU has noted an
increase in the numbers, activities and visibility of
heritage-focused organisations in Uganda, ranging
from local cultural associations and community
museums to cultural centres and other cultural
organisations. While this reflects the desire and an
enhanced confidence in promoting culture, there is a
persistent lack of technical expertise in heritage
development, management and promotion. CCFU
intends to continue using knowledge generated from
its research and activities to provide a basis for
capacity building, influencing perceptions on the
relevance of culture, and influencing the integration of
cultural heritage in relevant national development
policies and programmes. Other interventions to
promote heritage education in secondary school and
in universities in Uganda are presented in the other
sections of this report.
To fully harness cultural resources, CCFU will continue
to campaign for a well-financed and fully-fledged State
organ to foster technical and financial investment
in heritage education, heritage infrastructure
development, preservation of buildings of historical
and cultural significance, cultural tourism, and the
promotion of cultural rights for all people in Uganda.
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. Cultural rights, governance and
managing diversity
6

ÂÂThe programme context
Although Uganda has ratified international Conventions
that provide for the recognition of cultural rights, little
has been done to ensure their realisation. Cultural
rights rarely feature on the national agenda, as
reflected in the very limited commitments made in the
national budget towards the cultural sector and the
lack of a dedicated ministry for culture to drive this
agenda. Few Ugandans are conversant with cultural
rights and the transmission of the cultural practices,
norms and values continues to be affected by various
factors, such as certain religion creeds that demonise
culture, the HIV/AIDs crisis and civil strife that have
claimed the adults who are the gatekeepers of cultural
information, and western-type education that views
culture and traditional practices as backward.
Uganda nevertheless hosted the 3 rd East African
JAMAFEST Festival in 2017 and showcased its rich
cultural diversity to the world. The main focus was on
culture and the creative industries and CCFU delivered
a paper to reflect on progress made to promote
indigenous knowledge in traditional medicine. 2017
also witnessed increased participation of Uganda’s
diverse kingdoms and other cultural institutions in
highlighting the relevance of culture in modern times
by organising cultural galas, celebrating traditional
cultural events and participating in delivering poverty
reduction projects in their communities.
ÂÂCCFU’s interventions
Throughout the year, CCFU has been actively
promoting the cultural rights of Ugandans, with a focus
on women and youth, and on indigenous minority
groups.
Women and cultural rights: Culture has often been
blamed as the cause for women’s rights violation. In
partnership with Diakonia, CCFU conducted a research
effort in Gulu, Kitgum and Lamwo districts to establish
the existence of culturally-defined rights of women
among the Acholi and to explore their potential to
empower women and girls. The research revealed the
existence of a wealth of avenues for the protection
and promotion of women’s and girls’ rights, including
women’s rights to a violence-free environment, their
authority over economic production, and their voice
to contribute to decision making in both public and
private spheres. Three chiefdoms, in partnership with
CCFU, are now piloting initiatives to use such rights
to promote women’s and girls’ empowerment. To
guide this effort, CCFU supported the community to
develop two booklets: a Cultural Leaders’ Handbook
on promoting women’s rights as defined by Acholi
culture and a practical reference handbook for women
and girls on their culturally-defined rights.
Indigenous Minority Groups (IMGs) and their oral
history: CCFU supported various efforts to promote
the cultural rights of IMGs, who are among Uganda’s
most marginalised communities. To operate in a
Bishop Ochola from the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative at the launch of the CCFU report on
women’s rights and Acholi culture
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The Batwa delegation at the advocacy meeting with district leaders in Bundibugyo
coordinated manner, the IMGs in the Rwenzori and
Karamoja regions were supported to create platforms
through which they will engage with the majority
communities, as well as local and national governments
on various cultural rights issues. In Bundibugyo district,
policy makers and implementers, as well as
representatives from the Batwa community came
together and the former made concrete commitments
to address the deficit in the realisation of human
rights, especially of the Batwa. CCFU also prompted
the establishment of a National Coalition for the
Rights of Indigenous Minority Groups. With support
from Minority Rights Group, the
coalition has supported a policy
dialogue between IMG representatives
and Members of Parliament. A press
statement calling upon government to
respect the rights of IMGs and a
commitment by the Equal Opportunities
Commission to uphold these was made.
As part of the efforts to preserve the
heritage of the IMGs, CCFU also
produced and disseminated various
materials on the oral history of the
Batwa. It is currently supporting the
documentation of the history of the
Ngokutio and Lendu people in
Northern and North-Western Uganda.
Youth and women cultural entrepreneurship projects:
Can culture help realise rights by bringing food on
the table? In 2017, 5 experimental groups of youth
and of women from IMGs were supported to enrich
their culture-related enterprises. Improved incomes
from crafts, traditional music and dance have enabled
young people to re-consider their views about culture
and how it can contribute to sustainable economic
development.
The Rwebisengo Widows’ Cultural Association in their craft shop
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Culture and Governance:
Culture plays a role in achieving
sustainable development.
This is the case in the latest
priority for Uganda’s economy,
the oil and gas sector. CCFU,
in partnership with ActionAid
Uganda, supported Bunyoro-
Kitara Kingdom, Ker Kwaro
Acholi and Alur Kingdom to
develop guidelines for their
engagement with oil extractive
companies, in order to protect
the cultural heritage of the
concerned communities. These
guidelines were launched by the
prime ministers of the three
institutions, in the presence
of Ministry of Energy and
Oil Company officials. Other
cultural institutions have been supported in various
ways to strengthen their governance structures, such
as the Madi Chiefdom, whose leaders have been
assisted to develop a clan leaders’ charter.
Mainstreaming cultural rights: After the support
The Prime Ministers of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Ker Kwaro Acholi and
Alur Kingdom launch the guidelines by cultural institutions for oil and
gas companies
provided to a number of human rights organisations
to build their capacity in appreciating cultural rights
and incorporating them in their practice, some
organisations have progressed in this respect, as
established during the post training follow-ups
conducted in 2017.
ÂÂReflections
Despite challenges in promoting poorly appreciated
cultural rights, some progress is being made and, with
the necessary political will, more can be achieved.
This would however depend on changing Ugandans’
perceptions and to emphasise the need to embrace
cultural rights as a lever for sustainable development.
Targeting young people to embrace their cultural
heritage and embedding this in both formal and nonformal
education is also required. At the national level,
linking culture to entrepreneurship and national socioeconomic
development is needed, requiring individuals,
communities, cultural institutions and government to
pull their efforts together. It is our collective duty to
bring this to fruition.
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c. Cultural heritage preservation
and development
10

ÂÂThe programme context
Although the preservation and promotion of Uganda’s
cultural heritage is supported by various legal
instruments, our cultural and natural heritage is under
threat. Historic buildings are replaced with shopping
malls; natural forests are replaced with farms; swamps
are reclaimed; cultural sites are encroachment upon
and rarely documented. Policy guidelines are lacking,
and development initiatives are seldom preceded with
a social and cultural heritage impact assessment, so
risk mitigation measures are not in place. Financial
support from government and other sources towards
the preservation and promotion of culture continues
to be insufficient, in spite of the urgent work that
needs to be undertaken to preserve our heritage. In
addition, the transmission of indigenous knowledge
and skills is challenged by the introduction of formal
education at the expense of non-formal mechanisms.
ÂÂCCFU’s interventions
Given this context, CCFU works with youth and
community museums to defend their cultural heritage,
while spearheading the protection of our built heritage.
Heritage Education: in 2017 71 teachers and other
resource persons from Mpigi, Kabarole, Moroto,
Napak and Masaka were trained to support secondary
school cultural heritage clubs. This brought the number
of clubs to 130 in various parts of Uganda. Young
people were involved in two competitions: the
National Youth Cultural Heritage Competition, whose
theme this year was to illustrate their traditional
dances, with the best entries used for the 2018
Heritage Calendar. An International African Cultural
Heritage Competition also electronically brought
together members of school heritage clubs in Uganda,
Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe who produced short
videos to highlight their most interesting club activities.
An awarding ceremony was held to award the 13
winners of the national competition and the 2 winners
of the international contest. To promote intangible
cultural heritage (ICH) education in Uganda’s
universities, CCFU started work in partnership with
Kyambogo University, Kabale University, Uganda
Martyrs’ University, and the Islamic University in
Uganda to develop a course on ICH and sustainable
development.
CCFU Board chair Prof. Luutu Mukasa hands over a certificate to the overall winner of the National Youth
Heritage Competition, Bridget Ategeka from Rubaga Girls’ Secondary School
11

Nyamarunda historical site handed over to Bunyoro
Kitara Kingdom officials
Protecting our built heritage: In 2017, CCFU pursued
work with the Kampala Capital City Authority to
develop a draft Ordinance to protect historic buildings
in the city; information materials and plaques for the
Luke and Katherine Wards of Mengo Hospital and Ham
Mukasa House in Mengo were developed and unveiled
to the public. CCFU also took part in campaigns to
safeguard the Uganda National Cultural Centre,
commonly known as the National Theatre. Planning
for the protection and promotion of a heritage site
near Kampala, the home of Sir Apollo Kaggwa, the
famous 19 th century political leader and ethnographer,
was also undertaken. Elsewhere, CCFU supported
the Kalisizo urban authority, which passed a bye-law
to protect the Namagoma Forest. The tomb of King
Kyebambe III in Nyamarunda, which CCFU supported
the Greater Kibaale District Heritage Development
Committee to renovate, was handed over to Bunyoro
Kitara Kingdom and its Prime Minister pledged to
maintain the site.
Community Museums: CCFU continued to host the
Uganda Community Museums Association coordinator
and provided technical support to the Association’s
regional exhibitions in Fort Portal and Iganga. A CCFU
volunteer also helped several museums to improve on
their presentation and management.
H.E the Ambassador of
Ireland, Donal Cronin,
the CCFU Executive
Director and H.E. the
High Commissioner of
the United Kingdom,
Peter West, unveil the
information board at
Mengo Hospital
ÂÂReflections
Our cultural heritage remains at great risk of
disappearing. A listing mechanism to protect historical
sites and buildings is urgently needed and the capacity
of all organisations involved in this field, including
Community Museums must be strengthened. This
underlines the prerequisite for a centralised wellresourced
government entity – a Ministry of Culture
– to protect our national cultural and natural heritage,
as well as the long term necessity to involve young
people in promoting cultural heritage, as the primary
target of sociocultural (r)evolutions and as Uganda’s
upcoming policy makers and implementers.
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The year at CCFU
ÂÂThe context
2017 proved to be a challenging year for NGOs in
Uganda. The global context militated against donor
support for Ugandan organisations as the richer
nations became increasingly introspective. The “NGO
climate” was also marked by increasingly strict
regulations imposed by Government on civil society
organisations active in the country, while muzzling
advocacy work on governance and human rights by
closing down or intimidating several NGOs.
ÂÂOur national and international linkages
In this context, working with others assumes its full
importance. Throughout 2017, CCFU has continued
to embrace its national and international partnerships.
Through its membership of the National NGO Forum
and of the Human Rights Network, the Foundation
participated in defending the essential civic space that
is the hallmark of a developing, democratic society and
will continue to do so.
CCFU is accredited to the UNESCO Intergovernmental
Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible
Cultural Heritage (ICH). We attended the 12 th session
of the Committee in South Korea, presented a paper
on traditional medicine and participated in the ICH
NGO Forum symposium on this occasion.
CCFU is also a member of the International National
Trusts Organisation (INTO). INTO made CCFU’s
presence at the 17 th International Conference of
National Trusts in Indonesia possible. This was an
eye-opening and engaging event, at which CCFU
made presentations on its work with youth and with
indigenous minorities.
Delegates at the 17th International Conference of National Trusts, Indonesia
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ÂÂThe CCFU Board of Trustees
Our Board of Trustees continued to provide very
valuable technical and advisory assistance to the
Foundation throughout the year. It currently consists
of Prof. Luutu Mukasa (Chair), Ms. Regina Bafaki, Ms.
Rose Agoi, Ms. Grace Aulo, Ms. Rosie Agoi, Mr. Thomas
Okoth Nyalulu, Mr. Cato Lund and Emily Drani as
Secretary.
ÂÂThe CCFU team
After 11 years of dedicated and appreciated service,
CCFU was sad to see its Finance and Administration
Officer, Petwa Oselle leave the Foundation. We
welcomed Haddijah Luwedde, another experienced
finance officer, who joined our team to replace her.
CCFU was privileged this year to host Beatrice
McDermott, a volunteer to support our cultural
heritage programmes. At CCFU, Beatrice was
instrumental in supporting the Foundation’s work with
community museums, providing technical assistance to
their management for visibility and sustainability.
We look forward to future partnerships with interested
and qualified individuals who wish to contribute to the
promotion of culture and development.
The CCFU team at the Foundation offices, January 2018
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Our most recent publications
Throughout the year, CCFU continued to produce
publications to sustain its agenda and illustrate various
aspects of Culture in Development. These are available
at our offices and through our website.
And a DVD:
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11 years of CCFU in figures
2600+ students in over 130 school heritage clubs
supported by CCFU in Uganda
260 Patrons of school cultural heritage clubs trained
54 Kampala’s historical buildings and sites on an
annotated map produced by CCFU
34 Districts where CCFU is working
25 Indigenous minority groups working with CCFU on issues of
promoting their cultural rights
21 Community museums supported by CCFU, some as
coordinating hubs for the Heritage Education Programme
20 Human rights organisations trained in incorporating
cultural rights aspects in their work
15 Cultural institutions in Uganda partnered with
CCFU to promote a culture in governance agenda
10 Years of active participation in the International
Conferences of National Trusts
5 Cultural entrepreneurship groups (women and
youth) supported and growing their revolving fund
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Bridget Ategeka’s winning entry for the 2017 National Youth Heritage Competition
A Word of appreciation
In the past year, CCFU was engaged in a growing
number of activities both locally and internationally.
We would like to thank all our friends and partners
for supporting us.
We particularly thank secondary schools on the
Heritage Education Programme, community museums
across the country and historical buildings owners,
our government counterparts, leaders of cultural
institutions, indigenous groups and other committed
individuals, the media, service providers, other
ministries and agencies, and many others. We look
forward to continuing our interaction with all of you
in 2018.
We are grateful to our board of trustees has continued
to support us with time and insights.
Special thanks go to the International National
Trusts Organisation (INTO) for playing a central
role in making our joint crowdfunding appeal with
the National Trust of Zimbabwe and the Monuments
and Relics Commission of Sierra Leone a success and
therefore engaging youth in the three countries in a
first international African cultural heritage competition
(see p. 11).
The UNESCO intangible heritage section has shown
its confidence in CCFU to undertake several initiatives
to contribute to the preparation of training and other
materials for UNESCO’s capacity building programme.
In 2017 CCFU received financial support amounting
to U.shs. 783 million. These funds were provided by
• Action Aid Uganda
• Arcus Foundation
• Bread for the World / Protestant Development
Services
• Diakonia
• The Fund for Global Human Rights
• The International National Trusts Organisation
(INTO)
• Irish Aid
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) – ICH section
• A crowdfunding effort led by the INTO Secretariat
We thank all our supporters for making our work
possible in the course of 2017 and look forward to
continued partnerships in the coming year.
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Off Bativa Rd, Makerere,
P.O. Box 25517, Kampala, Uganda
Tel. +256 (0) 393294675/7
ccfu@crossculturalfoundation.or.ug
www.crossculturalfoundation.or.ug
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