Cultural Research Center – Jinja Diocese

The Centre started in 1997 September following a recommendation by the Jinja Diocesan Synod Delegates who sat in 1995.

Some collected Artifacts

Vision of CRC

A harmonious, responsible and fully developed people that is deeply rooted in its cultural values and practices.

Mission

To preserve and promote our God-given ancestral and life-giving cultural heritage; and to inculcate a deep sense of pride and belonging among the Basoga.

Objectives

To research into, document for preservation, sensitize and educate people about the Culture of the Basoga, its values and their relevance to society in today’s world.

• To promote literacy and self awareness
• To develop the Lusoga language through education.

Activities

Teaching Culture to Nuns.

• We carry out research in the region of Busoga on Culture of Basoga.
• Commit the findings to ink for future generations and the compiled information is printed in books.
• Make translations of texts relevant to Busoga, from other languages to Lusoga or from Lusoga to English.
• Conduct sensitization workshops on culture and human rights.
• Offer library services ( have a modest library)
• Networking with other related organizations in the promotion of culture in general
• Collect cultural artifacts for preservation.

Accomplishments

• We have now a Lusoga-English bilingual dictionary.
• A grammar book, standard orthography, a collection of a number of fables.
• A collection of close to 3,000 Kisoga proverbs under the title: Ensambo dh’Abasoga.
• Translated UDHR, CEDAW, CCPR and the Ugandan Children’s Act into Lusoga.
• Construction of a library (stocking is ongoing)
• Construction of a Sounding Recording studios (not yet soundproofed and no equipment)
• In collaboration with other stakeholders, we managed to get Lusoga started being taught in Primary Schools.
• A research into the Basoga traditional religion, the concept of witchcraft –Divination and Healing among the Basoga, Sanctity of Human life.
• We have contributed to the rejuvenation of  a high self-esteem among the Basoga.

What Next?

• To operationalize the sound recording studios.
• To engage in Adult literacy so as to promote literacy and reading culture.
• Research into  the family and marriage institution(s) among the Basoga.
• Herbal medicine and its sustainable utilization.
• Open to any new venture

Challenges

• Still a number of Basoga are not proud of who they are.
• There are divisions among the Basoga.
• Funding of the activities is still a big problem. We depend on one donor.
• People will support something they are going to benefit from financially hence “infuniramu wa?” syndrome.
• Lack of the political will.