Umukuuka Seeks UNESCO Support to Transform Mutoto Cultural Site into Modern Cultural Centre

The Umukuuka His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, has asked the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to support efforts to transform the historic Mutoto Cultural Site in Mbale into a modern cultural centre equipped with facilities befitting the cultural heritage of the Bamasaaba.

The request was made on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, when a UNESCO delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Umukuuka in Mbale City.

According to the spokesperson of the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution, Hon. Steven Masiga, who spoke to this publication by telephone from Mbale City, the meeting focused on the preservation, promotion and modernization of Bugisu's cultural heritage, with particular emphasis on the development of the Mutoto Cultural Site.

Masiga said the Umukuuka requested the UNESCO officials to support the institution's vision of developing Mutoto into a modern cultural complex that would include a modern palace, offices, an amphitheatre, a stadium and other facilities designed to support cultural activities and heritage preservation.

The UNESCO delegation included Ms. Mariana from Mexico and Dan Kawesi from the UNESCO office in Uganda.

The meeting was also attended by officials of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, including Hon. Priscilla Khaitsa, Minister for Museums; Hon. Moses Kutoi, Minister for Culture and Heritage; Hon. Richard Wambede, Minister for Umukuka Affairs; and Hon. Steven Masiga, the institution's spokesperson.

Masiga said the UNESCO team welcomed the proposal and promised to present the request to the relevant senior structures within UNESCO for consideration.

“The UNESCO team promised to table the issue of construction of Mutoto Cultural Site into a modern cultural centre, with a palace and amphitheatre, to the highest protocols of UNESCO for consideration,” Masiga said.

Vision for a Modern Mutoto Cultural Centre

The proposed transformation would significantly change the face of Mutoto, a site that holds deep historical and cultural significance for the Bamasaaba people.

Masiga said the cultural institution is determined to develop Mutoto into a modern centre capable of accommodating major cultural events while preserving the historical identity and traditions of the Bamasaaba.

He explained that the institution's vision goes beyond constructing a single building, noting that the planned development would comprise several interconnected facilities serving cultural, administrative, educational and community purposes.

Among the proposed facilities is a modern palace for the Umukuka, alongside offices for ministers and other officials of the cultural institution.

The proposed amphitheatre would provide space for cultural performances, traditional ceremonies, artistic exhibitions, public engagements and other events aimed at promoting the cultural heritage of Bugisu.

A modern stadium is also envisaged as part of the wider development, potentially providing a venue for large cultural gatherings, traditional games and other community activities.

Masiga said the institution wants Mutoto to become a cultural landmark capable of attracting visitors from Uganda and beyond while creating a platform for the younger generation to learn and appreciate Bamasaaba culture.

Preserving Bamasaaba Heritage

The engagement with UNESCO comes at a time when cultural institutions across the world are increasingly seeking ways to preserve indigenous heritage while adapting cultural sites to modern needs.

For the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution, the development of Mutoto is seen as an opportunity to combine heritage conservation with modern infrastructure.

Masiga said the institution remains committed to ensuring that modernization does not undermine the historical importance of the site.

Instead, the proposed development is intended to provide the infrastructure necessary for the preservation, documentation and promotion of Bamasaaba traditions for future generations.

The institution believes that a modern cultural centre at Mutoto could also provide opportunities for cultural education, research, tourism and the organization of major traditional events.

UNESCO Engagement

The participation of UNESCO in discussions surrounding the proposed development is significant because the organization works internationally to promote education, science and culture and supports the safeguarding of cultural heritage.

The delegation's commitment to present the proposal to the relevant UNESCO authorities provides an opportunity for the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution to seek technical and institutional support for its plans.

However, the proposal will still have to go through the relevant UNESCO procedures and consideration before any support or partnership can be confirmed.

Masiga expressed optimism that the engagement could open a new chapter in the development and preservation of Bugisu's cultural heritage.

He said the institution will continue engaging development partners and other stakeholders to mobilize the resources and expertise required to realize the Mutoto project.

Mutoto at the Centre of Bugisu Culture

Mutoto is widely associated with important aspects of Bamasaaba cultural history and remains an important site for cultural activities.

The institution's plans therefore seek to position the site not only as a place of historical importance but also as a modern cultural destination capable of hosting national and international visitors.

If the proposed transformation is realized, Mutoto could feature a combination of traditional architectural elements and modern facilities, creating a centre that reflects both the historical identity and contemporary aspirations of the Bamasaaba.

Masiga said the ultimate goal is to ensure that every major function of the cultural institution can be supported from Mutoto, including cultural administration, ceremonies, performances, heritage education and community engagement.

He added that the proposed development would give the Bugisu Cultural Institution a more visible and permanent physical presence while strengthening its capacity to promote Bamasaaba culture.

The institution now awaits further consideration of its proposal by UNESCO as it continues to pursue partnerships aimed at turning its vision for Mutoto into reality.