Digital Preservation of Cultural Heritage in Uganda: Case of Bugisu Sub Region

Abstract

Digitization of cultural heritage has taken a popular turn in Uganda as elsewhere in the world as a means of conservation and preservation of cultural heritage for posterity. However, whereas digitization of cultural heritage is viewed as a tool that can be used to provide long-term preservation and global access to indigenous knowledge, there have been serious challenges associated with digitizing of cultural heritage material.

This chapter, therefore, assesses the underlying challenges of cultural heritage preservation in Uganda, with the Bugisu sub-region as a case study, and establishes ways for using digital technology to provide long-term preservation and global access to cultural heritage in Uganda.

Interviews with clan leaders and a systematic review were the two methods used in this study. Clan records were selected as the major cultural heritage for study. From the interview carried out with the clan leaders, the study found out that there were enormous challenges associated with the preservation of clan records, such as inadequate storage, fire outbreaks and lack of support from governments and other stakeholders. Using systematic review, the study established ways for using digital technology to provide long-term preservation and global access to cultural heritage in Uganda.