Ministry Department
Museums Services Department
Managing and developing Uganda's national and regional museums — preserving and presenting cultural and natural heritage collections.
Overview
About the Museums Services Department
The Museums Services Department is responsible for the administration, development, management and regulation of Uganda's museums, as established under the Museums and Monuments Act, 2023 and guided by the National Museums and Monuments Policy, 2015.
The Department manages the Uganda National Museum — the country's national repository for objects, artefacts, artworks and specimens of scientific, palaeontological, ethnographical, archaeological, historical and technological significance — together with regional museums at Kabale, Soroti and Moroto. It also oversees community museums and works with local governments, cultural institutions and the private sector to conserve and promote Uganda's rich tangible and intangible heritage through museum services, exhibitions, education programmes, and collections care.
Vision
A nation proud of its Cultural Heritage.
Mission
To establish, promote, conserve, preserve and present Uganda's heritage through museums services.
Goal
Conserve and impart knowledge of the Heritage to the present and future generations for sustainable development.
Functions
What the Department Does
Administration, development, management and regulation of museums
Promotion, conservation and protection of cultural heritage objects in museum collections
Collection and management of cultural and natural heritage data and information through museum services
Compilation, publication and dissemination of heritage information through exhibitions and education
Facilitation of human capacity and technological development for museum services
Promotion of private sector investment in conservation and development of museums
Coordination and strengthening of institutional capacity building for museums
Implementation of UNESCO operational guidelines for heritage conservation through museum programmes
Legal & Policy Framework
Governing Law and Policy
The Museums and Monuments Act, 2023 — establishes the Department of Museums and Monuments and sets out its functions, powers and the regulatory framework for museums.
The National Museums and Monuments Policy, 2015 — provides the policy direction for the museums sub-sector.
The 1995 Constitution of Uganda — protects cultural heritage as a national resource.
Structure
Units & Sections
Museum Services Unit
Management and development of the national and regional museum network — collections care, exhibitions, education programmes and visitor services.
National and Regional Museums Directorate
Infrastructure works, content upgrades, and exhibitions for Uganda Museum and regional museums.
Conservation Laboratory
Preservation, treatment and restoration of objects, artefacts and specimens for display and study.
Education and Outreach Unit
Heritage education programmes for schools and communities; awareness campaigns and cultural events.
Community Museums Liaison
Declaration, registration and support of community museums; partnership with cultural institutions.
Intangible Heritage Division
Field documentation, audio-visual archiving of traditional cultural practices.
Research and Documentation Unit
Palaeontological, archaeological and ethnographic research; heritage documentation, inventories and dissemination.
Service Delivery Standards
What You Can Expect From Us
These standards are set out in the Ministry's Service Delivery Standards (SDS) for FY 2024/25–FY 2029/30, aligned with Vision 2040, NDP IV, and the PIAP for the Tourism Development Programme.
| Key Service | Service Standard | Timeline | Target Clients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Museums developed and equipped | Uganda Museum upgraded by 80% by FY2029/30; 4 regional museums developed | By FY2029/30 | Researchers, students, tourists, heritage NGOs |
| Public access to museums and exhibitions | Open 6 days a week; 90%+ visitor satisfaction; entry fees UGX 1,000-10,000 | Continuous | General public, tourists, schools, researchers |
| Cultural heritage awareness campaigns and outreach | At least 12 outreach events annually; engagement with 50+ schools and 30+ community groups | Annual | Schools, community groups, cultural leaders |
| Documentation of intangible cultural heritage practices | At least 20 new heritage elements documented annually | Annual | Cultural institutions, indigenous communities |
| Research and excavation permits issued | Permit issuance within 15 working days; 100% compliance to guidelines | 15 working days | Archaeologists, universities, museums |
Our Network
Museums, Sites & Monuments Under the Department
A selection of the museums, cultural sites and monuments managed or protected by the Department. Over 650 sites have been documented nationwide.
National Museum
Uganda National Museum
📍 Kira Road, Kampala
Established 1908; national repository for cultural and natural heritage collections.
Regional Museum
Kabale Regional Museum
📍 Kabale
Regional museum serving western Uganda.
Regional Museum
Soroti Regional Museum
📍 Soroti
Regional museum serving eastern Uganda.
Regional Museum
Moroto Regional Museum
📍 Moroto
Regional museum and fossil site serving north-eastern Uganda.
The Department at a Glance
5
Public Museums
4
Regional Museums
10+
Private & Community Museums
6
Days Open Per Week
Explore the Ministry
Learn more about the Ministry's structure, leadership and strategic objectives.