Empaako safeguarding boss appeals for community self-help contributions in safeguarding heritage

Stephen Rwagweri Atwoki facilitating

The technical head of the UNESCO co-funded Empaako safeguarding and revitalization project Stephen Rwagweri Atwoki has appealed to Empaako communities to contribute in safeguarding Empaako heritage for it to be sustainably safeguarded from extinction.

“Culture can only be sustainably safeguarded through an independent mind and independent means because a beggar has no culture to safeguard and we can’t depend on external support to safeguard our very own Empaako heritage” Said Rwagweri Atwoki while facilitating at the five days residential capacity building workshop at Crown Hotel in Hoima on 5^th March, 2019.

Ntoroko district local government has included culture in their district budget and plans to promote their very own heritage. Engabu Za Tooro has also started a campaign called Tutemu Engaro to encourage Empaako communities take responsibility in safeguarding their own culture.

Participants of the capacity building workshop mainly attended by participants from Bunyoro Sub Region formed three committees which are the media committee, performing groups committee and Tutemu Engaro committee to mobilize Empaako communities safeguard their heritage threatened with extinction.

During the workshop Stephen Alinaitwe who is the Empaako project coordinator explained the meaning of Intangible Cultural Heritage and the UNESCO 2003 Convention on ICH. Culture expert Rukahemura Robert explained the domains of ICH, Empaako coordinator Bunyoro region Bamuha Allan explained ICH safeguarding measures.

Kabalega Cultural Troupe performing

Workshop participants also learnt about documentation which was explained by Empaako safeguarding and revitalization among the Banyabindi community in Kasese district. Data collection and documentation equipment handling was explained to workshop participants by the head of ICH documentation unit Julius Isingoma Amooti.

During the workshop, participants were entertained by Kabalega Royal Troupe, folklore artist Mukwikwi Kaserebe, Master Kalenzi popularly known for his Busongora bwa Koogere song and Engabu Za Tooro Cultural Troupe.

Currently, Engabu Za Tooro is implementing a UNESCO co-funded project UGA 01210 which is on documentation and revitalization of Empaako naming rituals and practices.