Uganda to Host UNESCO Africa Heritage Reporting Launch as It Takes Lead in Continental Conservation Efforts

Uganda has reinforced its growing leadership in global heritage conservation after announcing that it will host the launch of the Fourth Cycle of Periodic Reporting for Africa under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention later this September.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Tom R. Butime, during the 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea, where Uganda is represented by a high-level delegation that includes the Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Dr. James Musinguzi, alongside other heritage and conservation officials.

Speaking during a side event jointly organised by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF), Hon. Butime said Uganda is committed to strengthening Africa’s leadership in safeguarding the continent’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

“Uganda is honoured to host this initiative because we firmly believe that the future of World Heritage in Africa depends on stronger African leadership, greater cooperation among our States Parties, and sustained investment in our people and institutions,” Butime said.

As part of the initiative, Uganda will not only host the official launch of the Fourth Cycle of Periodic Reporting but will also convene the first Workshop for National Focal Points, bringing together representatives from across Africa to officially commence the reporting process.

The minister described Periodic Reporting as more than a statutory obligation under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, saying it is a practical mechanism for strengthening heritage institutions, improving the management of World Heritage sites, building professional capacity and promoting regional cooperation.

Drawing from Uganda’s own experience under the Convention, particularly the successful restoration of the Kasubi Royal Tombs through international collaboration, Butime stressed that African countries must continue working together to address emerging threats to heritage conservation.

He identified climate change, rapid urbanisation, infrastructure development, conflict and limited technical capacity as some of the key challenges facing many of Africa’s World Heritage sites.

“No country can address these challenges alone. That is why Uganda has taken an active leadership role by creating a platform where countries can learn from one another, exchange experiences, build lasting partnerships and collectively strengthen the implementation of the Convention across Africa,” he said.

Having previously served on the Board of the African World Heritage Fund, Butime noted that Africa possesses exceptional cultural and natural heritage, as well as the expertise and ambition needed to play a greater role in shaping the future of the World Heritage Convention.

He said implementing the Nairobi Outcome on Authenticity would improve Africa’s representation on the World Heritage List while strengthening the continent’s voice and leadership within the global heritage community.

According to the minister, the Fourth Cycle of Periodic Reporting presents an opportunity to strengthen national heritage institutions, equip site managers and heritage professionals with new skills, encourage peer learning and regional cooperation, and generate knowledge that supports informed conservation decisions.

He called upon all African States Parties and development partners to actively participate in the process, reaffirming Uganda’s commitment to working closely with UNESCO, the African World Heritage Fund and fellow African countries to advance heritage conservation.

Butime also invited World Heritage focal persons and site managers from across the continent to attend the September meetings in Uganda, encouraging them to experience the country’s renowned tourism attractions while contributing to discussions on safeguarding Africa’s shared cultural and natural heritage.

Meanwhile, the participation of Dr. Musinguzi at the global meeting further highlights the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s critical role in protecting the country’s natural World Heritage sites and supporting Uganda’s efforts to strengthen conservation leadership on both the African continent and the international stage.

The upcoming UNESCO meetings are expected to deepen collaboration among African nations while enhancing the conservation, management and global recognition of the continent’s World Heritage sites, with Uganda taking centre stage in driving that agenda.