Stephen Rwangyezi, the founder of the renowned Ndere Cultural Centre in Kampala, has appealed to President Yoweri Museveni for financial assistance to save the centre from closure due to a crippling debt.
Rwangyezi warned that the country risks losing this vital cultural facility if it fails to settle a shs10 billion bank loan.
“We appeal to all Ugandans, from our President to the government and the citizens, to come to the rescue of Ndere Cultural Centre and the Ndere philosophy,” Rwangyezi said during a press briefing on Friday.
Established in 2003, Ndere Cultural Centre has become a key institution for preserving and promoting Uganda’s rich cultural heritage. However, the centre is now at risk of being taken over after failing to repay a UGX 6.8 billion loan from the Uganda Development Bank (UDB) acquired in 2019.
Rwangyezi explained that the financial difficulties began after securing the loan, as the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted their operations. Despite efforts to reach out to various authorities for support, he said his pleas have so far gone unanswered.
“It is high time the President took an interest in this matter to save the situation,” he urged, emphasizing that the facility plays a significant role in cultural education and research. “If Ndere Centre is lost, so too are the opportunities for teaching and research on Ugandan cultures,” he added.
Rwangyezi also called on the Uganda Development Bank to consider rescheduling the loan repayment period to provide the centre with a lifeline.
The Ndere Cultural Centre has long been a hub for cultural activities, attracting both local and international visitors interested in learning about Uganda’s diverse traditions and heritage. The centre’s closure would mark a significant blow to Uganda’s efforts in cultural preservation and education.
