KABALE- Abakeira Cultural Group celebrated 15 years of excellence on Sunday, January 5, 2025, with the launch of the Abakeira Traditional Cultural Center. Located in Kabale District, Kigezi Sub-region, the group aims to preserve and promote the culture of the Bakiga. Their objectives include training and empowering community members in cultural arts, crafts, and sustainable practices, as well as organizing cultural festivals, exhibitions, and tourism events.
Speaking at the launch, Arineitwe Deus, also known as Omugurisi Paskari Kashongo, vision bearer and director of Abakeira Cultural Group, announced that they are seeking 400 million shillings to purchase land and construct a center for the group. The center will feature a museum showcasing traditional Bakiga tools, such as grinding stones, granaries, bee hives, and pots.
Arineitwe emphasized his desire to leave a lasting legacy, enabling future generations to learn about and appreciate Bakiga culture. Simpson Mpirirwe, patron of Abakeira Cultural Group, highlighted the need for a mindset change among Ugandans, who often believe that only graduates possess proper thinking.
Mpirirwe expressed concern that graduates and the wealthy often undermine illiterate individuals, who also possess valuable ideas for societal development. He noted that Bakiga culture is slowly dying due to the increasing influence of online activities, which leave little time for village visits. The cultural center aims to revive Bakiga culture and traditions.
Arineitwe Wilkens, chairperson of UPC Kabale District, and Sunday Jackson praised the vision bearers for establishing the Abakeira Cultural Center. They lamented the decline of Bakiga tradition and beliefs in Kigezi, despite being the region’s native culture. The pair expressed concern that the younger generation may lose touch with their cultural heritage.
Wilkens questioned which culture the young generation would inherit, given the current trend of adopting external customs. He regretted that many young people are unaware of their clan’s origin and name.
