Background of the Kitara Cultural Explosion Event

Engabu Za Tooro, a local cultural non- governmental organization, based in FORT Portal Western Uganda has made a lot of achievements in innovative cultural programmes for the last ten years. Programmes and achievements have involved developing and promoting cultural dances, folklore, artists, cultural services and enterprise.

These achievements have been highlighted by researches and publications sponsored by Common Wealth Foundation, UNESCO and scholars of culture and development.

A UN Agency, World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) during its December 2009 sitting in Geneva recognized Engabu Za Tooro and gave it accredition to participate, as an observer, in the sessions of inter governmental committee on intellectual property, genetic resources, traditional knowledge and folklore.

Engabu Za Tooro has planned to consolidate her achievements and programmes by building a cultural centre in Fort Portal, a cultural and tourist hub of great Western Uganda. The proposed centre complex will be an epicentre of Cultural research, consultancy, education, reclamation and entertainment and will have infrastructure like a Museum, Art Gallery, Cultural Hats, Concert Hall and an Amphitheatre.

(Architectural impression attached.)

Engabu Za Tooro has organised a 6 months campaign to raise awareness on the need for the cultural centre and open contacts for mobilizing local and external resources for the project. The campaign involves activities like; Cultural concerts in strategic cities in Uganda and abroad, cultural exhibitions and engaging development partners and companies on the proposed project.

“Kitara Cultural explosion 2010” is one of the planned mobilization events. It will take place at Kampala Serena Hotel, Victoria Hall and it will involve presenting documentaries of the abundance of the cultural heritage of Western Uganda and cultural heritage in performing art and expression in form of cultural music, Dance, poetry and folklore.

The cultural centre project will be introduced alongside sustainable presentation of the need and roe of culture in enhancing sustainable development. Leaders addend development partners will be specifically targeted for event which will inspire, inform, educate and entertain.

The cultural diversity and vitality will be brought out.