History of the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation in Uganda
Established by Congress in the fall of 2000, the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) awards grants for the preservation of cultural sites, cultural objects and collections, and forms of traditional cultural expression in more than 100 countries. Congress noted that, “Cultural preservation offers an opportunity to show a different American face to other countries, one that is non-commercial, non-political, and non-military. By taking a leading role in efforts to preserve cultural heritage, we show our respect for other cultures.” Since 2001, the AFCP has demonstrated America’s respect for the cultural heritage of others by supporting more than 640 preservation projects worldwide.
In Uganda, the AFCP has awarded eight grants:
- 2001 – Preservation of Ugandan Tribal and Modern Heritage at Makerere University
- 2005 – Training in the Preservation of Ethnographic Objects at the National Museum of Uganda
- 2006 – Documentation of Historic Buildings in Uganda
- 2009 – Documentation of Acholi Cultural Sites and Practices
- 2010 – Conservation of Nyero Rock Art in Kumi District
- 2012 – The Preservation of the Collection at Makerere University Art Gallery’s Institute of Heritage Conservation and Technology
- 2013 – Preservation of ancient barkcloth traditions in rural Uganda
- 2019 – Restoration of the Fort Luba Thurston Memorial
The AFCP is administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ Cultural Heritage Center, which supports the foreign affairs functions of the U.S. Department of State that relate to the preservation of cultural heritage. The Center also administers U.S. responsibilities relating to the 1970 UNESCO Convention to reduce pillage and illicit trafficking in cultural property.
