The Ndere Cultural Centre, a cornerstone of Uganda’s cultural preservation and education founded by renowned cultural icon Stephen Rwangyezi, is at risk of being auctioned next month due to an unpaid loan. The potential loss of this landmark threatens to undermine decades of efforts to celebrate and sustain Uganda’s rich cultural heritage.
Ndere Cultural Centre, located in Kisaasi, a suburb of Kampala, has been listed for public auction alongside two other properties owned by Stephen Rwangyezi. Since its inauguration by President Museveni in 2003, the centre has served as a vibrant hub for promoting the country’s diverse cultural expressions, from music and dance to storytelling and traditional arts.
However, the centre’s future is now uncertain after Quickway Auctioneers & Court Bailiffs announced an auction for the property, scheduled to take place next month. The auction notice did not disclose the amount owed or the identity of the creditor, leaving the cultural community in suspense and concern over the potential impact on this significant institution.
Spanning 3.645 hectares on Kyadondo Block 216, Plot 2872 Kigoowa, the Ndere Cultural Centre has been a symbol of cultural unity, bringing together people from different regions of Uganda and beyond to appreciate and learn about the nation’s traditions.
The centre’s performances and workshops, often led by Rwangyezi himself, have been a beacon of cultural education and preservation, drawing both local and international audiences.
The auction is set to commence at 10 a.m. at the auctioneer’s offices, with interested buyers required to pay in cash or via Real-Time Gross Settlement RTGS. Viewing of the property is available by prior arrangement, but the auctioneer, Festus Kateregga, maintains the right to accept or reject any offers. This stipulation adds another layer of uncertainty to the centre’s fate.
Beyond the Ndere Cultural Centre, the auction will also include Rwangyezi’s properties in Bira, Mengo District, and Kisoro District, further signaling financial difficulties that could have wide-reaching effects on cultural initiatives in these areas. The impending auction has sparked an outpouring of support from the cultural and artistic communities, with many calling for urgent intervention to save these landmarks.
Stephen Rwangyezi’s influence extends well beyond the stage. As a passionate advocate for cultural education, he has worked tirelessly to integrate cultural studies into Uganda’s academic curricula and has partnered with the government to promote policies that support cultural preservation. The potential loss of the Ndere Cultural Centre, therefore, represents more than just the sale of a property; it symbolizes a potential setback in the ongoing efforts to safeguard Uganda’s cultural identity.
The news of the auction has prompted calls for the government and private sector to step in and prevent the sale, recognizing the centre’s invaluable role in cultural preservation and education. As the auction date approaches, the fate of the Ndere Cultural Centre remains uncertain, but its significance as a pillar of Uganda’s cultural heritage is clearer than ever.
