By Elizabeth Nakiru
The Uganda Revenue Authority joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Museum Day last saturday.
The national celebration was held in Soroti under the theme “Museums for Education and Research.” It was also attended by other entities, including the International Council for Museums (ICOM), the Ministry of Tourism, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the Uganda Tourism Board, the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda, Soroti University, UWEC, UCOMA, UNCC, and Explore Uganda.
Soroti was selected to host the commemoration due to its rich culture and heritage, which is a key part of education and research. For instance, the Nyero rock paintings are a crucial aspect of archeological research that can be studied as well as incorporated into the newly introduced school curriculum that includes teaching culture and heritage.
“I thank the government of Uganda and the Ministry of Education for introducing our culture into the new school curriculum called Culture and Heritage. This is because our culture and heritage showcase our uniqueness as a country; it also shows how far we have progressed.” said the guest of honor, Vice President Jessica Alupo.
URA tremendously supports the tourism sector where museums fall by allowing tax exemptions on designated tourism amenities, such as tourist transportation means including tourism boats, sightseeing buses, and overland trucks.
For developers of a tourism facility or hotel, tax exemptions are similarly allowed for the supply of locally sourced materials, feasibility studies, design services, and construction services. URA further implements a 100% deduction of training expenditures where a player in the tourism industry has incurred the cost.
The Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Hon. Bahinduka Mugarra Martin, called for more effort to be put into the protection, conservation, and preservation of Uganda’s rich heritage to promote our tourism industry.
The Vice President closed the event after opening the Soroti regional museum and called upon the tourism ministry to market Uganda more to attract both tourists and revenue for the locals invested in tourism ventures.
