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The ‘Superheroes of Uganda’ series melds ancient legends with modern storytelling, aiming to empower Ugandans by showcasing their unique stories and fostering national pride. The initiative is a collaboration between the Uganda Museum and Travel Tube, with a special edition of animated films set to release on Uganda’s Independence Day

The ground-breaking initiative aims to celebrate and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Uganda through a captivating collection of books and animated movies.

At a news conference conducted on Monday, September 25, at the tourism information center of the Sheraton Kampala Hotel in Kampala, the announcement was made by Martin Mugarra, the Minister of State for Tourism. 

In honor of Uganda’s Independence Day, on October 9, a special edition of the animated films will be made available for streaming on the Travel Tube website.

“The ‘Superheroes of Uganda’ series is an extraordinary endeavor that melds ancient legends with contemporary storytelling, presenting a dynamic fusion of folklore and modern heroism. This visionary project seeks to empower Ugandans by giving voice to their unique stories, cultural nuances, and historical narratives, while also fostering a sense of national pride and inspiring audiences to embrace their inner superhero,” explained Jackline Nyiracyiza, the acting commissioner for museums and monuments. 

One of the Superheroes named is Kibuuka Omumbaale, who according to legend used to fight from the skies and is still revered in Buganda culture as the god of war.

The other is Nakayima, who is the descendant of Bachwezi monarch Ndahura, the last of his line. She is reported to have vanished in a tree that is still revered today because people think it has healing powers.

Other superheroes up for consideration for the animated series include football players who used to compete and win games without shoes, as well as Ndahura, a beloved gorilla who was recently died. 

The Uganda Museum and Travel Tube, a website dedicated to presenting Africa’s unique culture and history, have partnered to create this program. 

Elijah Watendo, a Travel Tube spokesperson, expressed hope that the project will help the current generation appreciate their heritage in a simple-to-understand fashion.

The change, according to Jonathan Mukiibi, a tour guide who works with Jonah Safaris, will aid in visualizing the otherwise uninteresting storytelling.

  “We have a generation that is interested in all sorts of visual arts including science fiction movies like Thor. If we can get such content onto the screen, Uganda will be assured of interesting young people not only into loving the visuals but also understanding their ancestry,” Mukiibi said. 

According to Basil Ajar, the ministry’s director for tourism, the Uganda Museum had 67,366 visitors last year, bringing in more than sh320 million, by far the highest figure ever reported since it opened. 

He credited modern developments like digital marketing, which caters to a brand-new group of consumers, for the success.

The project, according to Minister Mugarra, will also provide Ugandans the chance to express their own experiences instead of those that reflect how the colonizers saw their nation. 

“By centering Ugandans’ stories and reclaiming the narrative from a colonial lens, this partnership seeks to amplify the voices and perspectives of Ugandans,” Mugarra continued. 

In addition to challenging colonial narratives, the project fosters cultural preservation, understanding, and tourism in Uganda.