MBARARA — Igongo Cultural Centre, in partnership with University of Zurich, has launched a mobile museum initiative designed to educate local communities about the importance, preservation and practical uses of indigenous traditional herbs with medicinal benefits.
The new travelling exhibition — part of the ongoing Traditional Medicine in Transition project — aims to bring cultural knowledge and scientific understanding of herbal medicine directly to communities across Uganda, especially in rural areas where access to formal healthcare is limited and traditional healing remains widely practiced.
Instead of being confined to a single location, the mobile museum will stop at schools, community centres, marketplaces and public venues, giving people the opportunity to learn about valuable herb species, their history, cultural significance and safe use. The displays include visual storytelling, physical plant samples and audio-visual materials that highlight the cultural value and health benefits of traditional plant-based remedies.
Experts involved in the project say the exhibition is part of broader efforts to document and preserve indigenous knowledge that has been passed down through generations but faces the risk of disappearing in modern times. The initiative also underscores the role of museums as agents of cultural education and community engagement, facilitating dialogue between researchers, healers and the general public.
Speaking at the launch in Mbarara, organisers noted that the mobile museum will complement existing stationary exhibitions at the Igongo Cultural Institute and the Uganda National Museum, helping to widen access to cultural heritage and plant-based traditional medicine knowledge.
The travelling exhibition reflects a growing recognition of the importance of integrating cultural heritage and traditional health practices into community education, as well as efforts to ensure sustainable use and conservation of Uganda’s rich biodiversity.
Public engagement activities, research displays and workshops are expected to continue as the mobile museum tours different regions throughout the year.
This collaborative initiative brings together museum experts, ethnobotanists, cultural practitioners and academic researchers to celebrate and safeguard Uganda’s traditional medicinal heritage for present and future generations.
