President Yoweri Museveni has instructed the Ministry of Finance to develop strategies for the preservation of Ndere Cultural Center.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister for Information Communication Technology and National Guidance, confirmed that the President has initiated this directive to the Ministry of Finance to commence the necessary procedures and modalities on how to go about it.
‘’Yes it is true, the Government is working to see how to save the Ndere Cultural Centre. The president has instructed the Ministry of Finance to work out mechanisms on how the Ndere Centre can be supported,” he said.
In 2019, Ndere Troupe Limited aimed to broaden its operations and secured a loan of UGX 6.8 billion from the Uganda Development Bank (UDB).
Earlier this month, the center, which plays a crucial role in safeguarding and promoting Uganda’s cultural heritage, was put up for public auction by Quick Way Auctioneers & Court Bailiffs, along with two other properties owned by Stephen Rwangyezi.
In response, Rwangyezi requested government assistance, citing the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown and its associated challenges that could not allow him to pay the money since the economy was at a standstill.
“However, I am not privy to the discussions whether government is to buy shares and if so, how many of them, but I can confirm that government has committed to support Ndere Centre so that we don’t lose it since it is a strategic resource for the country,” Baryomunsi noted.
According to sources, the government initiated the process of purchasing shares valued at shs4.6 billion from the Ndere Cultural Center, a strategic move intended to alleviate the financial difficulties faced by the cultural business facility.
This information regarding the share acquisition stems from a meeting that took place on September 24, 2024, at the Prime Minister’s office.
The meeting, allegedly coordinated by Pastor Martin Ssempa, the senior pastor of Makerere Community Church, included the participation of several government ministers, such as Rebecca Kadaga, the Minister of East African Affairs, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, and Hamson Obua, the government chief whip.
