The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities through its Department of the Museums and Monuments will join the rest of the world to celebrate the International Museum Day 2024 (IMD2024).
Uganda Joins the Global Community in Soroti City

The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities through its Department of the Museums and Monuments will join the rest of the world to celebrate the International Museum Day 2024 (IMD2024). This year’s celebration will be held in Soroti City, Eastern Uganda on 18th May, 2024 under the theme: “Museums shaping knowledge for the future” derived from the International Council of Museums (ICOM) international theme: “Museums for Education and Research.”
Igniting Knowledge, Innovation, and Sustainable Futures

This year’s theme aims to underscore the significance of museums as dynamic educational institutions fostering learning, discovery, and cultural understanding. And the focus will be on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Goal 4: Quality Education – Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.
Our national theme, “Museums shaping knowledge for the future” underscores the pivotal role museums play in transforming our society from a peasant economy to a modern one through critical thinking and innovation. This theme serves as a rallying call to raise awareness about the transformative power of museums in shaping the future trajectory of our nation.
Every 18th May is a unique moment internationally for the museum community. Since 1977, all museums in the world participate in this day to promote the role of museums around the world, by organizing enjoyable and free activities around the year’s theme. The objective of International Museum Day is to raise awareness on the fact that, “Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples”. Organized each year on and around 18th May, the events and activities planned to celebrate International Museum Day can last a day, a weekend or a whole week.
The International Museum Day (IMD) celebration in Soroti City will feature a diverse range of activities aimed at promoting cultural awareness, heritage preservation, and forward-thinking innovation.
Blockquote
> “Museums stand as sanctuaries of our shared story, where whispers of the past meet the pulse of the present. They are bridges that unite cultures, guardians of human heritage, and sparks that kindle understanding and harmony among diverse hearts. In their quiet halls, they weave threads of peace, inviting every soul to embrace the beauty of connection and the promise of a world united.” >
— Inspired by the International Council of Museums (ICOM)
Museums: Bridging Cultures, Inspiring Learning, and Shaping Futures
- Museums as cultural hubs fostering learning and mutual understanding.
- Highlighting the role of museums in achieving SDG goals like Quality Education and Innovation.
- Uganda will celebrate International Museum Day 2024 in Soroti City, Eastern Uganda.
- The theme for 2024 emphasizes “Museums shaping knowledge for the future.”
- Activities will focus on promoting lifelong learning opportunities.
- Free and engaging events will unite diverse communities.
- SDG Goal 4 promotes inclusive and equitable quality education.
- SDG Goal 9 aims to foster innovation and sustainable infrastructure.
- Museums will be celebrated as dynamic institutions shaping the future.
- “Museums for Education and Research” forms the backbone of this year’s theme.
- The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities spearheads the celebration.
- The global initiative unites museums in a shared vision for progress.
The International Museum Day 2024 in Soroti City sounds like a fantastic opportunity to explore the role of museums in education and innovation. It’s inspiring to see how museums are being recognized as key players in shaping the future through knowledge and cultural understanding. The focus on Sustainable Development Goals highlights the importance of inclusive education and sustainable development. I’m curious to know what specific activities or exhibitions will be featured to engage the public and promote these goals. How can individuals contribute to the success of this event?
Thank you for your interest and insightful reflection! Indeed, the International Museum Day 2024 in Soroti City was a unique platform to celebrate how museums contribute to education, innovation, and sustainable development.
About the 2025 International Museum Day celebrations in Uganda, it will be hosted in Kabale Municipality, specifically at Kabale Stadium, on Sunday, May 18, 2025, as confirmed by multiple sources. The theme for this year’s celebrations is “Preserving Heritage, Transforming Communities,” aligning with the global theme from the International Council of Museums (ICOM).The event will feature cultural performances, special exhibitions, and hands-on workshops to celebrate and preserve the nation’s diverse heritage. Visitors can enjoy traditional music, interactive demonstrations, and curator-led tours. The event aims to engage the public, especially youth, in appreciating and protecting cultural history. Additionally, Individuals can contribute by attending, volunteering, promoting the event, or donating to heritage initiatives.