New Partner in Uganda

CCFU will lead Promoting Pluralism in Uganda

Tags: Uganda , Promoting Pluralism
Additional tags: CCFU

Hivos and Kosmopolis will cooperate with the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU) to start up the Promotig Pluralism Knowledge Programme in East Africa. Starting from September 2008, CCFU will look for academics and practitioners that have experience and that are active in the field of pluralism. Together they will identify major themes and formulate the first research questions. Up to four mapping studies will be carried out. In the beginning of 2009, a permanent team of academics and practitioners will be formed. The team will build on the outcomes of the mapping studies and continue with planning activities for the next 2 years.

 

CCFU defines culture as a constantly changing set of values, identities, traditions and aspirations that govern the way we relate as individuals, communities and nations. Culture ‘goes deep’: it goes to the heart of any society. It is central to people’s well-being and to defining the ideal society they seek. CCFU believes that the positive aspects of culture can be harnessed to bring about social and economic transformation, and help express collective heritage and identity.

 

Cultural expressions have long been under pressure in Uganda, due to the colonial past, limited political space and the political emphasis on the unified nation, and more recently by certain aspects of globalisation. Development should however reflect Uganda’s wealth and cultural diversity, in which all people are free to express their identity.

 

CCFU brings together representatives from development organisations, local government, cultural institutions, religious institutions, and traditional healers to discuss how to take positive aspects of culture into account. Hereto, CCFU sees a need to develop mechanisms and strategies at both policy level and in the practice of development organisations and cultural institutions. Linkages between these sectors need to be well in place.

 

CCFU’s mission is to promote the recognition of culture as vital for human development that responds to our national identity and diversity. To do this, CCFU aims at:

 

1. Producing and disseminating knowledge: Stimulating the generation, documentation, analysis and use of culture, with a focus on its impact and contribution to sustainable development.

 

2. Changing perceptions: Promoting a positive perception and response to culture, at local and national levels, with emphasis on culture in development.

 

3. Strengthening others: Supporting local development initiatives that demonstrate the importance of culture in development – through technical support, linking them with each other and sub-granting.

 

CCFU published a position paper entitled ‘Development from a Cultural Perspective in a Cultural Diverse African Country: Understanding Culture and Development in Uganda. You can download the document.