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Hon. Peace Mutuuzo has asked MPs to include her ministry in the making of the Museums and Monuments Bill 2022.
Mutuuzo made the appeal during a meeting with members of the Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industry, which is currently reviewing the bill.
Hon. David Mugole (NRM Kabweri County), presided over the meeting on Wednesday 24 August 2022.
The government bill, which was first read on 12 July 2022, aims to consolidate and reform the law relating cultural and national heritage as well as strengthen administrative structures for effective management.
The bill also seeks the classification of museums and the management and maintenance museums and monuments.
It also seeks the formalization, control and protection tangible and intangible cultural heritage as well as works of art collections.
Mutuuzo stated that the ministry will present a paper to the committee within one week, outlining how the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development could have an entry point into this bill.
She pointed out that the proposed legislation does not distinguish between antiquities, wildlife, or culture.
“There is no way Tourism can run a show alone without the Ministry of Gender which is responsible for traditions and ways of life of the people. We will clarify the gaps we want to fill in this bill so that we are consistent with the law,” Mutuuzo said.
She cited clause 13(1) on establishment of museums that reads, “A person shall not establish or develop a museum in Uganda without a license or declaration issued in accordance with this Act.”
Clause 13(3)(a) reads that, “A person who contravenes subsection(1) commits an offence and liable on conviction—in the case if an individual, a fine not exceeding one hundred currency points.”
Mutuuzo said that the law should not limit the establishment or authorisation of institutions/public museums, but allow individuals to create private or personal museums.
“For example, a family or clan can choose to establish a private museum which should not attract an offence in any way. It is important that such museums are given space to operate until they develop the museum to a level that attracts commercial exchange of goods and properties,” the minister said.
She also stated that the law should include a clause that bids all Ugandan municipal and city council authorities to establish a public museum within their respective cities.
Distributed by APO Group for Parliament of the Republic of Uganda
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Source: african.business
