Uganda risks losing its history, minister Mao warns

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Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao has called for the urgent enactment of a law to protect the country’s historical sites and buildings. His remarks come amid growing concern over the rapid loss of culturally significant structures to unchecked development.

Mao made the remarks on Friday during the celebrations of World Intellectual Property Day at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau’s (URSB) head office in Kololo.

He cited the recent demolition of Lugard House in Kamwenge district, a site he described as having deep historical significance. He also lamented the loss of the old State House in Entebbe, once the residence of the colonial governor, emphasising that Uganda is steadily losing key markers of its past.

Norbert Mao Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs addressing participants during the commemoration of World intellectual Property Day celebrations at URSB on April 25, 2025. (Photo by Nancy Nanyonga)

"In other countries, historical buildings are preserved and become major tourist attractions," Mao said. "When you visit Britain, for example, you see the houses and tombs of historic figures. In Uganda, we are losing our history because we lack the legal framework to protect it."

Mao acknowledged that years of political conflict have led the Ugandan government to prioritise stability over heritage preservation. As a result, historically significant buildings have neither been marked nor safeguarded. He compared the situation to the protection of endangered species, insisting that the same care must be extended to historical properties.

"Preserving our heritage is not just about passing a law — it also requires funding," Mao explained. "If someone owns a property of historical significance, the government must be prepared to compensate them. This needs to be factored into the national budget."

Mao revealed that consultations would soon begin with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to pioneer the drafting of the new law. He stressed that protecting Uganda’s historical sites is not only about honouring the past but also about creating opportunities for tourism and education.

"We need to act now. Every building we lose is a piece of our identity gone forever," he said.

To diversify Uganda’s economy through tourism and cultural preservation, Mao said his call would mark the first step toward a deliberate effort to protect and celebrate the nation’s rich history.

Guard local music

Mao also expressed concern that Uganda’s local music is on the verge of perishing in favour of international music, saying that the government has not taken significant steps to defend it.

He said foreign music earns a lot, yet local artists are struggling in poverty. Mao noted that once the copyright law is properly enacted and signed by the President, international music would be regulated.

He said, "This will ring-fence the competition from the international artists who seem to have taken over the market."

"Music drives economic growth and attracts tourists, so at all costs, we must guard local artists," he promised.

Mercy Kainobwisho, the registrar general of URSB, encouraged all Ugandan artists to pay close attention to the copyright law, noting that it remains a challenge for the majority.

She said Uganda has witnessed the key contribution of local artists in promoting the national values of the country, and that supporting their growth would be a win-win situation.

Norbert Mao Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs interacting with Hillary Kiyaga aka Hilderman Member of Parliament Mawokota North. (Photo by Nancy Nanyonga)

"We want to see all artists gaining from their sweat," she noted.

Francis Butagira, the chairman of the board of URSB, added that the government is committed to helping artists become wealthy from their music.

He also stressed that creatives are being pirated by unscrupulous individuals who are earning more than the original owners.

"Your music is being pirated; how can your product be protected?" he asked.

Cinderella Sanyu, the president of the Uganda Music Association, said most artists had little knowledge about the media business, describing it as "a place of bliss and ignorance". However, with the support of different actors, many artists are now beginning to spark positive change and are receptive to being sensitised.

The government is currently in the final stages of setting up a business innovation hub, which will guide artists and protect their works.