By Eumu Emmanuel
The Kumam Cultural Heritage, led by His Highness Raphael Otaya Won Ateker, celebrated its first anniversary with significant contributions from Batalo East. Founded in 2013, Batalo East launched the Kuhamahama Arts project in 2018 to merge traditional and urban arts, preserve cultural heritage, and create employment opportunities for youth.
Albert Mubiru, Production Director at Batalo East, highlighted the project’s success in documenting cultural institutions and traditional arts, such as the unique dances of the Babwisi, Bavandime, and Bamba tribes in Bundibugyo, and the Banyole tribe in Butaleja. The project has empowered school dropouts and uneducated youth by training them in traditional and urban dance forms, allowing them to perform at festivals like Bayimba International Festival and Batalo Dance Fest.
In Eastern Uganda, Butaleja now hosts a permanent space for the Batalo East Center, featuring an amphitheater that accommodates over 1,000 people. The center’s activities have revitalized cultural heritage in the region, with workshops and performances involving groups like Kumam CUNY Piny Group and Ogobai Jazz Group.
Mr. Ejuru Richard, clan chairman of Atek Otole, emphasized the importance of cultural education and expressed gratitude to Batalo East for supporting Kumam Cultural Heritage. Favia Amede, a trained urban dancer from Kaberamaido District, echoed this sentiment, pledging to preserve and promote her culture.
The Minister of Culture in Kumam Cultural Heritage stressed the need to teach children about local traditions and called for translating educational materials into local languages. His Highness Raphael Otaya Won Ateker praised Batalo East for their timely support and envisioned future cultural exchanges with other kingdoms to further enrich the Kumam culture.