About MMAU

The professional and coordinating body for Uganda's heritage custodians.

A private sector-driven, non-profit association established in 2025 under a constitution registered with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau.

Kasubi Tombs, Kampala — a protected burial ground of a cultural institution under SI No. 69 of 2024
Kasubi Tombs, Kampala — a protected burial ground of a cultural institution under SI No. 69 of 2024
Who we are

Established by and for heritage custodians

The custodians, conservators and owners of national heritage sites provide a vital public service, protecting and managing Uganda's cultural and natural heritage for future generations — often at significant personal cost and without state funding.

The Museums & Monuments Association of Uganda brings them together as a non-profit, non-political and non-sectarian association, governed by an Executive Board and supported by a Secretariat. We are committed to partnering with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities in the formulation of the Rules and Regulations that operationalise the Museums and Monuments Act, 2023.

Status
Non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian association
Registration
Constitution registered with URSB, 5 December 2025 · Instrument No. 1764940518111
Registered office
c/o Okello Oryem & Co. Advocates, Plot 592, Kigobe Road, Ntinda, Kampala
Framework
Museums and Monuments Act, 2023 · Statutory Instrument No. 69 of 2024
Founder
Nahida Bhegani, Founder and Vision Bearer (Article 28)
Financial year
1 July – 30 June
Our vision

A coordinated and empowered network

A coordinated and empowered network of heritage custodians preserving Uganda's museums and monuments for future generations.

Our mission

Unite and build capacity

To unite and build the capacity of heritage custodians to protect, manage, and promote Uganda's cultural and natural heritage through collaboration with government, partners, and communities.

Leadership

Interim Executive Committee

Under Article 18.1 of the Constitution, the founding members constitute the Interim Executive Committee until the first elective Annual General Meeting.

Prince Wasajja Kiwanuka
Interim Chairperson

Prince Wasajja Kiwanuka

A professor at the University of Kigali, where he has served as Dean of the School of Education and of the School of Communication and Journalism. He was previously Academic Registrar of Kampala University, has authored some 50 scholarly works including seven books, and chairs the Board of Governors of Royal Open University.

Fredrick Nsibambi
Interim Vice Chairperson

Fredrick Nsibambi

Deputy Executive Director of the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda, he has worked extensively on community museums and heritage education, including published research on building the capacity of community museum managers in Uganda.

Nahida Bhegani
Founder & Interim General Secretary

Nahida Bhegani

Founder and Vision Bearer of MMAU (Article 28). A director of Masindi Hotel — Uganda's oldest hotel, opened in 1923 and a recipient of the National Heritage Award in 2013 — she works where heritage, hospitality and tourism meet.

Kigozi Daniel Lubwama
Interim Publicity & Communications Officer

Kigozi Daniel Lubwama

Known as Navio, he is one of Uganda's most celebrated hip hop artists, a co-founder of the pioneering group Klear Kut and a Pearl of Africa Music Awards winner. A communications graduate of Monash University, he champions Ugandan culture and destinations.

Governance structure

How MMAU is governed

Article 6 of the Constitution establishes five organs of governance.

General AssemblyThe supreme decision-making body, meeting at the Annual General Meeting.
Executive BoardGovernance and strategic oversight; twelve members serving three-year terms.
Advisory CouncilTechnical guidance and high-level advocacy from up to five distinguished individuals.
SecretariatAdministration and implementation, led by a Chief Executive Officer or Executive Director.
Regional ChaptersMobilisation and representation at the local level.

The first Annual General Meeting will be held within twelve months of the Constitution taking effect (Article 18.2). Placeholder · AGM date

Standing committees

Where the work happens

Capacity Building & Training
Heritage Partnerships & Grants
Advocacy & Policy Engagement
Research, Documentation & Education
Public Engagement & Events

Custodians of Uganda's heritage are stronger together.

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