Cambridge University has returned a collection of 39 stolen cultural artefacts to Uganda. These artefacts, which have been housed at the Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology for over a century, were officially received by the Ugandan Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities on Saturday, June 8, 2024.
The artefacts were taken from Uganda during the late 1890s and early 1900s, a period marked by British colonial rule. During this time, British administrators, anthropologists, and missionaries actively collected valuable cultural items. Many of these artefacts were acquired by John Roscoe, a missionary anthropologist closely associated with Cambridge University. The collection spans various regions of Uganda, including Buganda, Bunyoro, Lango, and Ankore communities.
Among the returned items is a notable collection of “balongo,” sacred figures with significant ritual importance in Buganda culture. These and other artefacts will initially be housed at the Uganda Museum to acclimatize to Ugandan conditions before being returned to their respective regions. The Buganda Kingdom, in particular, is prepared to welcome the “balongo” back to their original resting place at the Wamala tombs.
The return of these artefacts has been met with excitement and gratitude by the Ugandan government. State Minister of Tourism, Martin Mugarra, praised Cambridge University for preserving the artefacts and facilitating their return. He emphasized the potential boost to Uganda’s tourism sector that these historical objects represent, highlighting their importance as a missing piece of the country’s cultural heritage.
“The ministry will continue to analyze the artefacts at the Uganda Museum and is expecting all Ugandans and foreign visitors to see the historical objects returned from Europe,” said Hon. Martin Mugarra.
The repatriation project was made possible through funding from the Andrew Mellon Foundation, which supported the research and transportation costs. Jackline Besigye Nyiracyiza, the acting commissioner of museums and monuments, revealed that over $100,000 was spent on the effort to bring the artefacts back to Uganda.
“We are grateful as a Ministry for the funding support extended from the Andrew Mellon Foundation, which facilitated the research and transportation of the important artefacts back to the communities,” said Nyiracyiza.
While the return of these artefacts is a cause for celebration, it also presents several challenges. Derrick Peterson, a professor of museum and anthropology at Michigan University, acknowledged the complexities involved in the process.
“This is a risky project, and there’s a lot at stake,” said Peterson. “The Cambridge curators are giving up part of the collection they have built. The Ugandan curators are trying to find a different framework with which to display ethnographic objects. I’m very pleased to be able to work with both institutions in making new kinds of museums actionable.”
The return of these artefacts marks a new chapter in the preservation and appreciation of Uganda’s cultural heritage. As they are reintegrated into their communities, these artefacts will serve as a bridge between the past and present, educating future generations about their rich history.
The collaboration between Ugandan and international institutions highlights the importance of cultural restitution and the positive impact it can have on national identity and tourism. As Uganda continues to reclaim its heritage, the returned artefacts will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in celebrating and preserving the nation’s cultural legacy.
