MPIGI. Leaders of the Ndiga clan, working with officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Mpigi District authorities and Buganda Kingdom representatives, have launched efforts to preserve and promote the clan’s cultural heritage through the construction of a museum at the clan ancestral site at Mbaale Village in Mpigi District.
The delegation, which included Buganda Tourism Board chairperson Mr Benon Ntambi representing State Minister for Culture Anthony Wamala, toured several historical and cultural sites linked to the Ndiga clan before holding discussions at Mpigi District headquarters on plans to establish the proposed cultural museum.
The museum is intended to preserve the history, customs and traditions of the Ndiga clan for future generations, while also boosting tourism and creating economic opportunities for local communities through increased visitor numbers.
Among the sites visited were the clan headquarters, the proposed museum site, the historic “Kisuze” tree located on Kulumba Hill, and Lake Kulumba. Officials said the sites are tied to the legend of Kibuuka Omumbaale, a celebrated Buganda war hero believed to have fallen after being struck by arrows during battle.
Speaking during the visit, Mr Ntambi commended the Ndiga clan and Mpigi District leaders for prioritising cultural preservation and tourism development. He urged other Buganda clans to safeguard their heritage sites and cultural institutions.
Ndiga clan leader Eria Lwasi Buzaabo said the planned museum is expected to drive development within the clan and preserve important cultural artefacts and traditions.
“The only sustainable way to preserve our heritage and cultural assets is through establishing a museum,” he said, calling on other clans to emulate the initiative.
Mpigi District principal commercial officer Mr. Ronald Kazibwe said the project will document the full legend of Kibuuka Omumbaale and incorporate 17 cultural heritage sites associated with the clan.
He said the initiative is expected to contribute to local economic growth through tourism-related activities.
Mr. Paddy Ssentongo Ssali from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities pledged government support towards ensuring the Ndiga clan secures a modern cultural preservation centre.
Mpigi District is one of the key districts within the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, a rapidly urbanising region being supported under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Development Program.
The programme seeks to improve infrastructure, urban connectivity and economic opportunities in districts surrounding Kampala, including Mpigi, Wakiso and Mukono.
Tourism and cultural heritage preservation have increasingly been identified as potential drivers of local economic transformation within the metropolitan area.
Cultural tourism remains one of Buganda Kingdom’s flagship sectors, with heritage sites, clan traditions and historical landmarks attracting both domestic and international tourists.
Leaders in Mpigi say integrating cultural sites such as the proposed Ndiga clan museum into broader tourism circuits could help diversify visitor attractions beyond Kampala city and support community livelihoods.
Officials say preserving historical sites and oral traditions is critical in ensuring cultural values and identity are passed from one generation to another despite increasing urbanisation and modernisation.