Uganda State Minister for Culture contributes to Tutemu Engaro Self-Help Cultural Fund

Peace Mutunzo signing in the contributions book

Uganda State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of culture Hon. Mutunzo Peace Regis contributed UGX 500,000 to Tutemu Engaro Self-Help Cultural Fund on the official launch of the Self-Help Cultural Fund on Sunday 23^rd June, 2019 at Gardens Restaurant in Fort Portal – Uganda to enable Engabu Za Tooro safeguard heritage threatened with extinction like Empaako and Koogere Oral Traditions.

So far, millions of shillings have been contributed by people from across the country like the family of Omugurusi Isaya Kalya, the family of Dr. L.T Rubongoya, Mrs Munkancwango Beatrice, Mr and Mrs Christopher Monday Kazini, Mutunzo Peace Regis, Rev. Richard Baguma Adyeri, Owek. Mwesige Zebidayo, Mr. Ernest Kalege, Mr and Mrs Eustakiyo Tibyolekezo Abbooki Omwitira.

Muhereza Valentine Kachaina of TV West, Ndahura II Kashagama cultural head of Busongora Cultural Institution, Omugurusi Basaliza Rusoke (Muzeeyi Kijana), Rev. Kintu Muhanga Willy (Mayor Fort Portal Municipality), Ms. Mabiiho Winfred Baguma, Ms. Kagaba Vanice, Mary Tibamwenda, Mr. Eribankya Paul, Mr. Kagoro Peter, Mr. Richard Tooro, Msgr. Peter Kumaraki Araali and Mr. Kazooba Nyamuhanga have also contributed massively.

The minimum amount a person can contribute to the Tutemu Engaro Self-Help Cultural Fund is UGX 50,000 and write their name in Tutemu Engaro contributions book which will be kept at the UNESCO Museum in Paris, France for generations.

Collective contributions as a family or clan are also encouraged and contributions can also be in other forms like cows and goats among others. 

People can take their contributions at Engabu Za Tooro main offices located on Plot 18, Kaija Road, Kabundaire, Fort Portal – Uganda or contact the office on +256 (0) 483 422 187, +256 (0) 772 469 751 or Email: info@engabuzatooro.or.ug, engabuzatooro@gmail.com

Msgr. Peter Kumaraki Araali officially launching Tutemu Engaro

The Tutemu Engaro Self-Help Cultural Fund is aimed at mobilizing local contributions of Uganda Shillings 200 million towards the budget of the UNESCO co-funded project UGA 01210 aimed at safeguarding and revitalizing Empaako naming system.

Tutemu Engaro fund will also be used to sponsor at least 10 university degrees in Runyoro – Rutooro language by 2023 as part of the overall programme of safeguarding Empaako heritage as submitted to UNESCO at nomination for inscription.

The fund will also establish modern mechanisms of mobilizing collective resources and initiating community funded projects of safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Inscription and to revitalize and entrench the community spirit of self-reliance and solidarity in safeguarding the community’s own Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Engabu Za Tooro is accredited to provide advisory services to UNESCO (ICH Convention) and accredited as an observer of the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Currently, the organization is co-funded by UNESCO (Intangible Heritage Fund) and local contributions to revitalize and safeguard the practice of the Empaako naming system through community self-documentation.