Nigeria Strengthens Cultural Ties with Uganda for Pan-African Unity

The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy has reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to enhancing cultural relations with Uganda.

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The Minister, Hannatu Musawa, stated this in Abuja during a courtesy visit by a 27-member delegation of senior military officers from Uganda.

The Minister emphasized that the collaboration aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy to advance pan-Africanism and strengthen regional integration.

Represented by the Head of Department, Cultural Industries and Heritage, Rev. Canon Anamah N.U.B, Ph.D, Minister Musawa highlighted the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Uganda, dating back to the 1960s. She noted that both nations share similar historical experiences, including struggles against colonialism, ethnic conflicts, and religious differences.

She said “The Ministry is pleased to be one of the locations you chose for your study tour because it is our mandate to present, preserve and promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

“The relationship between Nigeria and Uganda is one of cooperation, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to regional and international development. We have a long-standing relationship that dates back to the 1960s. Both countries were formerly ruled by Britain and shared similar historical experiences, including struggles with religions, ethnic civil crises etc.

“In terms of cooperation, Nigeria and Uganda have signed several bilateral agreements, including a Technical Aid Corps agreement in 1988, a bilateral Trade Agreement in 1990, and Technical Cooperation in 1990 to mention but a few. The two countries have also collaborated on regional and international issues related to peace, security, trade, and economic development”, she added

Minister Muaswa also highlighted its ambitious plans to develop Nigeria’s creative economy, with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

She emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and cooperation between Nigeria and Uganda.

“Our mandate is to present, preserve, and promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. In line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Ministry is committed to achieving economic growth and job creation through our skill acquisition and capacity-building programmes across the six geopolitical zones of the federation.”Minister Musawa said

The Minister informed the officers that the ministry had finalized work on a revised Nigerian cultural policy aimed at fulfilling its mandate through an eight-point agenda to drive the creative economy. She noted that this initiative is designed to position Nigeria as Africa’s creative capital by 2030.

Earlier, Major General George Igumba, who led the Ugandan delegation, described the visit as a significant milestone in Nigeria-Uganda bilateral relations. He explained that the officers, drawn from various Ugandan states, communities, and other African countries, were in Nigeria to study key issues affecting national security.

“We are here to examine a range of issues, with a particular focus on international affairs and relations. Despite our abilities and capabilities, we seek to understand the obstacles hindering our national security objectives,” General Igumba stated.

“We have successfully addressed traditional challenges such as poverty, disease, and insecurity. Now, we have come to Nigeria to gain insights that will help us build on our progress and deepen our understanding of these issues,” he added.

During the visit, the delegation received a presentation on The Effects of Colonialism on Cultural Heritage, which explored Nigeria’s history, geography, traditions, and cultural heritage.

This collaboration between Nigeria and Uganda represents a crucial step in strengthening pan-African ties, fostering cultural exchange, boosting tourism, and enhancing economic cooperation across the continent.

Oluchi Okwuego