Celebrating 28 Years of the Cultural Research Centre – Diocese of Jinja
Today, the 1st September 2025, Cultural Research Centre - Diocese of Jinja (CRC) marks yet another remarkable milestone—28 years of existence and dedicated service to cultural preservation, research, education, knowledge dissemination and community engagement not only within the Diocese of Jinja but also across Uganda and the world at large.
This celebration is not just an acknowledgment of time passed but a tribute to our continued dedication towards safeguarding and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Basoga.
When being set up, CRC was tasked with a mission of researching, documenting, preserving and promoting Kisoga culture as a vital aspect of human development and Christian identity.
Over the past 28 years, the Centre has diligently executed this task by;
- Creating a platform where faith and culture meet through the translation of liturgical material into Lusoga for the local community members to understand and internalize the gospel.
- Empowering communities through dialogue meetings and engagements. CRC has been an integral cog in fostering dialogue as a means of building bridges in Busoga, fostering peaceful co-existence and achieving sustainable development. Through workshops, exhibitions and collaborations, the Centre has facilitated cultural education that inspires younger generations making it an important resource for schools, researchers, artists, and cultural activists.
- Carrying out research and publishing books on a number of cultural aspects of the Basoga. From oral histories, traditional music, dance, and crafts to indigenous knowledge systems, CRCs publications are filled with a wealth of knowledge giving whoever interacts with them a vital platform for cultural expression and scholarly research.
- Preserving our God given heritage by setting up a museum where a number of artefacts are collected and archived ensuring that they are preserved for future generations.
- Contributing towards a rebirth of Kisoga self esteem. CRC’s commitment to cultural preservation has helped many Basoga to reconnect with their roots, instilling in them the need to be proud of their heritage but at the same time fostering a deep appreciation for Uganda’s vibrant cultural diversity.
As we celebrate this anniversary, we honour all those who have contributed to the growth of the Centre: the visionaries who laid its foundation, the dedicated staff and researchers both past and present, the leadership of the Diocese of Jinja both past and present, the communities with whom we have partnered in the execution of our programs, our contact persons in different communities, key informants that have given us their knowledge, visitors to the Centre, the Cross Cultural Foundation of Uganda, the Uganda Community Museums Association and various NGOs and Government entities with whom we have interacted.
But above all, to our donor partners both past and present, without whom all the achievements would never have materialised; to DKA Austria, Missio-Munich, eRko Slovakia, Van der Lee Foundation, Miva Holland, Miva Austria, Mill Hill East African Region, East African District of Holy Cross and all other individual donors since 1997, we cannot thank you enough.
CRC also honours the Goan Catholic family of Mr. John Francis Cedrick D’Souza that donated one of their properties that to this day houses the offices of the Cultural Research Centre.
To the pioneer team members, Rev Fr Piet Korse (Manager), Mrs. Jane Bameka (RIP) as Secretary, Mr. Patrick Kaluuba ((RIP) and Deo Waiswa as field workers, the flower you planted continues to blossom.
That not withstanding, this journey has not been without challenges, but with resilience, collaboration, and faith, CRC has continued to grow stronger. Looking forward, CRC continues to embrace new challenges and opportunities. In an increasingly global and digital world, the Centre continues to explore innovative ways to digitize archives, expand community outreach, and engage youth through multimedia platforms. In doing this, CRC hopes to ensure that Busoga’s cultural heritage is not only preserved but continues to thrive for generations to come.
On this special occasion, Cultural Research Centre invites all friends, partners, and cultural enthusiasts to join in celebrating these 28 years of cultural stewardship. Supporting CRC’s work whether through participation, collaboration, donation or advocacy helps sustain a vital resource for not only Busoga but Uganda’s cultural identity.
Together, let us honour the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future.
HAPPY 28TH ANNIVERSARY, CULTURAL RESEARCH CENTRE!