A Day at the Uganda Museum

On a sunny October 13, 2023, I embarked on a special adventure with my 4-year-old daughter, Zoli K. Our destination was the Uganda Museum , a place where history, culture, and wonder come alive.

Entrance into the museum cost us a modest 5,000 shillings, which I found quite reasonable, though I couldn't help but notice that a coincidental fellow visitor of European descent seemed to have entered without paying a single penny.

As we stepped inside, we found ourselves without a guide, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It allowed us the freedom to explore at our own pace. For Zoli, this was a journey of discovery. She marveled at the diverse shapes, artistry, images, and simulations showcasing the rich tapestry of Ugandan history and heritage.

 

 Our first stop was the southern wing of the museum, where we encountered a Ford 1908 Model T black car. Zoli's eyes lit up when I explained that this car, more than a century old, was once considered the height of luxury.

 

 

We then ventured into a section dedicated to the Ugandan electricity generation dams with a good airtime on Bujagari Dam and engaged in a conversation about the generation of electricity in Uganda. The mention of oil exploration simulations by Total Energies piqued my daughter's curiosity, and I did my best to convey some knowledge, even though I haven't been to the Rift Valley myself.

 

 A section filled with traditional tools, such as pots, masks, fishing nets, baskets, and spears, held us spellbound. Zoli was particularly intrigued by the backcloth, and I painted a vivid picture of our great grandparents clad in such attire.

 

We took a moment to discuss the traditional settlement setup still practiced in Karamoja. Zoli imagined her cousins all living together in one homestead, though the concept of staying in a hut was somewhat elusive to her.

 

 

The drums, with their rhythmic allure, were impossible to resist. Zoli and I briefly played them, relishing the magical beats they produced.

We also delved into the story of Ham Mukasa, who rose from herding to serving two Buganda kings and being one of the first Ugandans to learn English.

 

 

 

 

Our visit culminated with a discussion on gorillas. I made a promise to Zoli that, when she's older, we'll embark on a mountain-climbing adventure near our home village, where these majestic creatures reside.

 

 

 

 

 

This visit to the museum was a journey down memory lane, connecting me to the subjects I studied in history, geography, and social studies, as well as the stories I once gathered from my elders. Sharing this experience with my daughter was a priceless opportunity for her to engage with history hands-on for the very first time.