Africa is laying the legal groundwork to reclaim control over its cultural heritage, after decades of operating within foreign frameworks. From national policies to continental charters, a growing movement is reshaping restitution as a matter of justice, identity, and sovereignty. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | Africa is establishing a …
Read More »Behind Closed Doors: Exposing the invisible scars of financial elder abuse
COMMENT | MAROUSHKA F. KANYWANI | Within the African—and by extension the Ugandan—cultural context, a great deal of honor is conferred on the pillars of our respective families and communities—aunts, uncles, parents, and grandparents, whose love and wisdom are the backbone of our growth and development. Behind closed doors, however, …
Read More »Acholi chiefs petition Gender ministry for construction of palace
Gulu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Cultural leaders in the Acholi sub-region have petitioned the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development for support in the construction of a befitting palace for the Paramount Chief. They say it will serve as a unifying administrative and cultural hub for the 56 …
Read More »Gulu City to organize their own Oktoberfest
Gulu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Gulu City is preparing to host its first-ever Oktoberfest, which will display the rich cultural heritage of the Acholi people. Organised by Gulu City and partners, the Oktoberfest will take place from October 6th to 14th and seeks to foster pride in Acholi heritage, …
Read More »Sacred Parallels: Why African rituals were never pagan
Inspired by the Daily Monitor headline: “Traditions, Rituals in Pope’s Funeral” COMMENT | Gertrude Kamya Othieno | As the world watched the solemn burial of Pope Francis, rich in symbolism, tradition, and spiritual reverence, it becomes impossible to ignore the striking parallels with other global rites of passage, particularly those found in …
Read More »Experts push for indigenous knowledge in curriculum to counter external influences
The push for integrating indigenous knowledge into Uganda’s curriculum comes at a time when there is growing recognition that traditional Western education, while valuable, may not fully meet the needs of Ugandan learners. By including indigenous knowledge, experts believe that the curriculum can become more practical, equipping students not only …
Read More »Life in Medieval Europe: Governance, culture, and belief
What happens when a continent is torn apart by a hundred years of war, while another flourishes with trade, innovation, and unity? COMMENT | Gertrude Kamya Othieno | The medieval era offers a stark contrast between Europe, struggling with feudal conflicts and the devastating Hundred Years’ War, and Africa, where empires like …
Read More »Umukuuka secures housing deal for Mbale, returns Wednesday from Trump inauguration
Umukuuka III was one of a few African political and cultural leaders invited to President Trump’s week-long inauguration festivities Washington, US | THE INDEPENDENT | Uwelukoosi Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukuuka III of the Bamasaaba/Bagisu, has secured a partnership with a United States business firm interested in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and …
Read More »Uganda, China hold symposium to boost tourism, cultural exchange
KAMPALA, Uganda | Xinhua | Uganda and China hosted a one-day symposium in Kampala, the African country’s capital, to promote tourism development and cultural exchange between the two sides. The inaugural Uganda-China Tourism and Cultural Symposium, held on Tuesday under the theme “Bridging Cultures, Enhancing Cooperation: Unlocking Uganda-China Tourism Potential,” …
Read More »Cultural stings, insecurity shaping women voices in Karamoja
Moroto, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Dorothy Chegem was a pupil at Acegeretolim Primary School, located in what is now Nabilatuk District when her grandfather and uncles arranged for her to marry a man old enough to be her father. At just 12 years old, Chegem narrowly escaped this fate thanks …
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