On the 21st of September 2023, the Uganda National Commission for UNESCO (UNATCOM) marked a significant milestone in its history by celebrating its 60th anniversary. The celebrations took place at the Speke Resort Munyonyo, coinciding with the International Day of Peace. Under the theme “Sixty years of advancing ideas that have shaped Uganda for Peace and sustainable development,” the event brought together dignitaries, scholars, and stakeholders to reflect on UNATCOM’s remarkable journey and its impact on Uganda.
UNATCOM’s story traces back to October 1962 when Uganda’s first Prime Minister declared the country’s intent to become a member of the United Nations and UNESCO. A year later, on September 16th, 1963, the Uganda National Commission for UNESCO was established under the Ministry of Education and Sports. This foundational step was in accordance with Article VII of the UNESCO Constitution, which mandates each independent country to create a National Commission tailored to its unique conditions.
The early years of UNATCOM were characterized by dedicated staff working tirelessly with limited resources. Their unwavering commitment laid the foundation for the UNATCOM’s future successes, helping it evolve and grow over the past six decades.
“The second decade of UNATCOM (1971-1979) witnessed the implementation of one of the most talked- about projects namely the Basic Education Integrated into Rural Development (BEIRD). This project infused agriculture appropriate technology into the curricula of teacher training colleges and primary schools. The traces of BEIRD were picked up and incorporated in the Uganda Strategic Plan “Skilling Uganda 2012” Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Former Board Chairperson, UNATCOM
UNATCOM has left a remarkable mark on Uganda’s education system, with key milestones including:
- 1971-1979: UNESCO supported the establishment of a planning unit in the Ministry of Education and Sports and provided equipment to Makerere University, boosting its training and research capacity.
- 1973-1979: Support was given for the creation of the National Curriculum Development Center.
- 1973-1979: Contributions were made to the development of Technical Teacher Training at UTC Kyambogo and NTC Kyambogo.
- 1989-1992: UNESCO provided invaluable support to the Education Review Policy Commission, resulting in a government White Paper.
- 2013: The TTISSA study influenced actions in the education sector, leading to the development of comprehensive National Teachers Policy, a Teacher Management Information System (TMIS), and more.
“I recognize the initiative by UNESCO for launching the elaboration and rewriting the General History of Africa (GHA) with a view to remedy the general ignorance on Africa’s history. The challenge consisted of reconstructing Africa’s history, freeing it from racial prejudices ensuing from slave trade and colonization, and promoting an African perspective. I therefore urge the Ministry of Education and Sports, Uganda National Commission for UNESCO and the Academia in Uganda to support this initiative with the urgency it deserves” Rt. Hon. Lukiya Nakadama, 3rd Deputy Prime Minister
UNATCOM has also played a vital role in preserving Uganda’s natural heritage through UNESCO recognition:
- 1979: Queen Elizabeth was recognized as an International Biosphere Reserve.
- 1989: UNESCO Clubs were established in Uganda to foster international understanding and cooperation.
- 1993: Mt. Elgon was recognized a Biosphere Reserve
- 1994: Rwenzori Mountain National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest were inscribed as World Heritage sites.
- 2007: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park was listed as a tentative World Heritage site.
- 2023: Mt. Elgon was recognized as a transboundary Biosphere Reserve between Uganda and Kenya
UNATCOM has championed human rights, peace education, and health initiatives, including:
- 2005-2019: Support for integrating Human Rights and Peace Education in Uganda’s education system.
- 1994: Strengthening professional contributions to HIV/AIDS prevention and control strategies.
- UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities: 3 Ugandan cities i.e. Gulu, Lira and Masaka are part of this initiative, promoting lifelong learning.
UNATCOM has also been instrumental in preserving Uganda’s cultural heritage:
- 2001: Inscription of Kasubi Tombs on the list of World Heritage sites.
- 2010: Following a fire, Kasubi Tombs was put on the list of World Heritage in danger. UNESCO with support from Japan Funds in Trust supported the Revitalization and Reconstruction of the Royal Tombs of Buganda Kingdom at Kasubi, consequently in 2023 the tombs have been removed from the World Heritage sites in danger.
- UNATCOM has also had a significant involvement in the formation of National Culture Policy
“Kasubi Tombs as a World Heritage Site in 2001. Following its destruction by fire in 2010 as World Heritage Site in Danger. In 2013, UNATCOM was strongly engaged in the project with the government to rebuild the Royal Tombs of the Buganda Kingdom. The World Heritage Committee sitting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last week removed Kasubi from the list of heritage in Danger” Dr. Rosie Agoi, Secretary General, Uganda National Commission for UNESCO
UNATCOM’s commitment to information and communication is evident through the establishment of Community Multimedia Centers (CMC’s) in various regions i.e. Nakaseke, Ngora, Kachwekano, Nabweru, Buwama etc. facilitating rural development by providing access to information and learning resources.
The celebration at Speke Resort Munyonyo featured notable guests, including Chief guest Rt. Hon. Lukiya Nakadama,3rd Deputy Prime Minister who represented H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and First Lady/Minister of Education and Sports, with Hon. Peter Ogwang representing the Chairperson of UNATCOM. Distinguished figures, such as the Ambassador of Japan and UNESCO and UNHCR representatives, were also in attendance. Also key individuals and Institutions that have tremendously contributed to the successes of UNATCOM were recognized and given awards of service and certificate of appreciation.
Former Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education and Sports Mr. Francis Xavier Lubanga receiving his award of service from the Chief Guest
As UNATCOM enters its seventh decade, it acknowledges that its work is far from over. The pursuit of peace and sustainable development remains as relevant today as it was in 1963. UNATCOM expresses gratitude to the government, line ministries, UNESCO, and all stakeholders for their unwavering support. As it continues this journey, UNATCOM remains dedicated to promoting peace, education, culture, and science in Uganda for the next 60 years and beyond.