Ateacher, god father of cultural dances and founder of Ndere Cultural Centre, Mr Stephen Rwangyezi, has appealed to President Museveni to help save his iconic multibillion cultural heritage centre from loan shunks.
Former broke teacher who amade a fortune out of cultural performances as business says his business empire is under attack by loan shunks pushing him out of business.
The cultural centre along with his two other properties has been listed for public auction by Quickway Auctioneers & Court Bailiffs.
The Ndere Cultural Centre, which spans 3.645 hectares on Kyadondo Block 216, Plot 2872 in Kigoowa, is slated for auction next month.
According to Stephen Rwangyezi the financial difficulties began when he secured a loan of Shs6.8 billion from the Uganda Development Bank in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted his ability to generate revenue.
“We have tried to reach the authorities through different channels, but with little help. Mr President intervene and rescue my business empire,” Rwangyezi cried out.
Rwangyezi also appealed for a government bailout, warning that if the centre is auctioned, it will be a great loss to all Ugandans.
Rwangyezi urged the Uganda Development Bank to extend the loan repayment period if government financial aid is not possible.
He added that without external financial support, the centre’s educational programs and cultural projects are at risk of being halted.
He called for immediate financial intervention to prevent the centre from shutting down, underlining the institution’s critical contributions to cultural education.
The multibillion Ndere Centre located in Kisaasi,was inaugurated in 2003 by President Museveni and has since served as a hub for the preservation and promotion of Uganda’s rich cultural heritage.0
In addition to the Ndere Cultural Centre, Stephen Rwangyezi’s properties in Bira, Mengo District, and Kisoro District are also slated for auction.
These include land in Busiro Block 306, measuring 1.214 hectares, and Kisoro Block 122, covering 2.202 hectares.
Rwangyezi founded the Ndere Troupe in 1984 with the mission to revive and preserve Uganda’s traditional arts.
The troupe, symbolized by the “Ndere” flute, represents the harmony and beauty of Ugandan music, dance, and storytelling.
Their success led to the creation of the Ndere Cultural Centre, which has become a platform for cultural exchange and education, drawing visitors from both Uganda and abroad.
Beyond entertainment, Rwangyezi has been a strong advocate for integrating cultural studies into academic curricula and has collaborated with the government to support policies that promote cultural preservation.
“We built this cultural centre with a modern interpretation of African architecture. Over the years, we have funded the education of thousands of children, many of whom continue to uplift our cultural heritage. In addition, we serve the country in various capacities,” he said.
Rwangyezi stressed that safeguarding Uganda’s cultural heritage should be the government’s responsibility.
