On Sunday May 18th 2025,the verdant hills of Kabale referred to as the Switzerland of Uganda – echoed with jubilation as the nation observed International Museum Day under the theme preserving Heritage, Transforming communities. The Ministry Of Tourism, Wild Life and Antiquities, in collaboration with Miss Tourism Uganda and The Let Your Pearl Shine initiative, orchestrated a series of events that underscored the pivotal role of museums in cultural preservation and community development.
The day commenced with a serene sunrise that bathed Kabale in golden hues, setting a tranquil tone for the celebrations. A meticulously organised brass band parade, a remiscent of a military procession, led by dignitaries and Participants to Kabale Stadium – the epi center of the day’s festivities.
Honourable Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, state minister for Tourism, Wild Life and Antiquities, graced the occasion, emphasising the government’s commitment to enhancing Uganda’s Museum infrastructure and experience as key components of tourism. Immaculate Heart Girls’ School renowned for its holistic approach to female education and empowerment, was honoured to have two of its queens Miss Immac Queen Naijuka Sheilla and Heritage queen Ninsiima Daisy join Miss Tourism Uganda Queen
participate in the celebrations.
Their involvement highlighted the school’s dedication to nurturing young women who embody grace, leadership and cultural pride. When you visit the school Museum, you find all this information at display at school.
The day’s itinerary was rich with activities that celebrated Uganda’s diverse heritage. Participants engaged in traditional music, dance and drama performances, story telling sessions, and a sports gala at Kabale University.
Environmental consciousness was promoted through sanitation and disease awareness campaigns and tree planting activities activities reinforcing the themes emphasis on community transformation.
A significant highlight was the ceremonial opening of the Kabale Regional Museum, an institution that showcases the kigezi region’s archeological, ethnographic abd contemporary art collections. The museum offers insights into the areas historical background, cultural practices and economic evolution, serving as a perfect example to the community’s rich heritage.
In a parallel event, miss Teen Immaculate Heart Queen Nabaasa Nicole Graciana, a senior Four student and native of Kabale, achieved national recognition by winning the Miss Teen Uganda title.
Her victory, secured through a combination of online voting and her talent in poetry, Creative wear fashion and question and answer along side her compelling representation of Ugandan youth underscores the potential of Pageantry as a platform for young women to amplify their voices and effective positive change International Museum Day serves as a global reminder of the indispensable role museums play in preserving cultural heritage and fostering community identity.
These institutions act as custodians of history, offering educational resources that bridge the generations and promote inter cultural dialogue. In Uganda, museums are increasingly recognized as catalysts for sustainable development, aligning with The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by promoting inclusive economic growth and resilient communities.
Empowering young women through pageantry and Tourism becomes real through participation in pageants like Miss Tourism, Miss Uganda, Miss Teen, Miss Climate that trascends aesthetic. This provides young women with opportunities to develop leadership skills, engage in cultural advocacy and contribute to national development.
Queens like Atino Lucky Bianka, the reigning Miss Tourism Uganda exemplify how pageantry can serve as a conduit for promoting Uganda’s rich cultural heritage on both national and international stages. Immaculate Heart Girls’ School has realised a lot of potential and achieved a lot of goals in line with it’s vision through the respect they give to pageantry. They now have over twenty queens in the school and over ten who have won national feats in pageantry including miss Hugh school Queen Isabella, Miss Climate first runner up Queen Jerusha Kusiima, National miss Leos Queen Cindy, Miss Teen First runner up Queen Patricia, Miss Teen Global 2025 Queen Nabaasa Nicole and many other celebrities in the area of pageantry like Queen Zakie Lucky, Ruvuza Dynavence Couture, Miss Ntungamo, CEO Mental healthy Queen Travis among others.
By involving young women in tourism and pageantry initiatives, Uganda and schools not only empower them but also ensure that their cultural narratives are preserved and celebrated by future generations.
The successful celebration of International Museum Day in Kabale stands as a portrayal of the power of community engagement in cultural preservation and youth empowerment. As Uganda continues to invest in its cultural institutions and promote inclusive participation, events like these will remain pivotal in shaping a cohesive abd vibrant National Identity.