03:34Uganda Museum Head Creator Nelson Abiti insisted that more than 30 artefacts loaned by the UK's Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology at Cambridge were 'not going to go back', as the collection was unpacked and inspected in footage filmed on Monday.
"It is not a bank loan where you have to pay it back," he said. "It's a way that you give a responsibility to you (us) to take care of these objects," he added, calling on the UK institution to 'deregister' them.
Footage shows a range of different artefacts, including a rare drum, and a headdress, which have been in the UK for over 100 years.
"These are rare objects that were made by our ancestors many of us have not seen," he explained, adding that some were associated with King of Bunyoro in Uganda Chwa II Kabalega, who ruled from 1870-199.
"He defended, he resisted colonialism. People should come. These objects, specifically these ones, tell us the period when some of our heroes resisted colonialism," Abiti continued. "During the time of resistance and then forceful[ly], they were taken away from the people…They are unique, their designs are unique, and they are historical to us."
According to Uganda’s government Commissioner in Charge of Museums and Monuments, Jackline Nyiracyiza, the agreement between Uganda and Cambridge is renewable and allows the possibility of a permanent loan or local ownership.
They are reportedly set to go on display in 2025 and 2026, following acclimatisation. It comes following a number of rows over the UK's 'stolen' colonial treasures, with countries calling on British institutions to return many such objects. Others, such as the British Museum, say they are prevented from returning artefacts under UK law.
'They are not going to go back!'- Uganda's colonial treasures go on display following 'loan' from UK museum
Uganda Museum Head Creator Nelson Abiti insisted that more than 30 artefacts loaned by the UK's Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology at Cambridge were 'not going to go back', as the collection was unpacked and inspected in footage filmed on Monday.
"It is not a bank loan where you have to pay it back," he said. "It's a way that you give a responsibility to you (us) to take care of these objects," he added, calling on the UK institution to 'deregister' them.
Footage shows a range of different artefacts, including a rare drum, and a headdress, which have been in the UK for over 100 years.
"These are rare objects that were made by our ancestors many of us have not seen," he explained, adding that some were associated with King of Bunyoro in Uganda Chwa II Kabalega, who ruled from 1870-199.
"He defended, he resisted colonialism. People should come. These objects, specifically these ones, tell us the period when some of our heroes resisted colonialism," Abiti continued. "During the time of resistance and then forceful[ly], they were taken away from the people…They are unique, their designs are unique, and they are historical to us."
According to Uganda’s government Commissioner in Charge of Museums and Monuments, Jackline Nyiracyiza, the agreement between Uganda and Cambridge is renewable and allows the possibility of a permanent loan or local ownership.
They are reportedly set to go on display in 2025 and 2026, following acclimatisation. It comes following a number of rows over the UK's 'stolen' colonial treasures, with countries calling on British institutions to return many such objects. Others, such as the British Museum, say they are prevented from returning artefacts under UK law.
Uganda Museum Head Creator Nelson Abiti insisted that more than 30 artefacts loaned by the UK's Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology at Cambridge were 'not going to go back', as the collection was unpacked and inspected in footage filmed on Monday.
"It is not a bank loan where you have to pay it back," he said. "It's a way that you give a responsibility to you (us) to take care of these objects," he added, calling on the UK institution to 'deregister' them.
Footage shows a range of different artefacts, including a rare drum, and a headdress, which have been in the UK for over 100 years.
"These are rare objects that were made by our ancestors many of us have not seen," he explained, adding that some were associated with King of Bunyoro in Uganda Chwa II Kabalega, who ruled from 1870-199.
"He defended, he resisted colonialism. People should come. These objects, specifically these ones, tell us the period when some of our heroes resisted colonialism," Abiti continued. "During the time of resistance and then forceful[ly], they were taken away from the people…They are unique, their designs are unique, and they are historical to us."
According to Uganda’s government Commissioner in Charge of Museums and Monuments, Jackline Nyiracyiza, the agreement between Uganda and Cambridge is renewable and allows the possibility of a permanent loan or local ownership.
They are reportedly set to go on display in 2025 and 2026, following acclimatisation. It comes following a number of rows over the UK's 'stolen' colonial treasures, with countries calling on British institutions to return many such objects. Others, such as the British Museum, say they are prevented from returning artefacts under UK law.