Ndere Cultural Centre Faces Public sale As Authorities Backs Away From Rescue Deal

The fate of Uganda’s beloved Ndere Cultural Centre is in jeopardy as the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development distances itself from a previously reported commitment to settle the Centre’s Shs 10.8 billion debt.

This denial sharply contrasts with earlier statements from Uganda Development Bank Limited (UDBL), which had indicated that the government, in 2024, pledged to rescue the Centre from financial collapse.

Ndere initially borrowed Shs 6.8 billion from UDBL in 2019 to expand its operations. However, repayment stalled, and interest accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic, swelling the debt to its current amount.

UDBL has now issued a final ultimatum, demanding a viable repayment plan by Monday, July 7 or it will proceed with auctioning the Centre’s assets.

A similar threat in September 2024 prompted a public plea from Ndere’s founder and executive director, Stephen Rwangyezi, who urged the government to intervene. At the time, reports suggested President Yoweri Museveni had instructed the Ministry of Finance to take action, with a high-level meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister reportedly resulting in an agreement for the government to acquire equity in the Centre to settle the debt.

On September 25, 2024, Ndere publicly announced a breakthrough, stating that a government rescue plan was in motion. Yet nearly a year later, no payment has materialized. UDBL says it has received no substantial proposal and will move forward with the auction unless action is taken immediately.

Now, the Ministry of Finance claims it never made any formal commitment to bail out the Centre, casting doubt on earlier assurances and leaving Ndere’s future uncertain. Rwangyezi has not responded to requests for comment, and Pastor Martin Ssempa, a vocal supporter of the rescue effort, also declined to speak.

UDBL maintains that unless a new repayment plan is submitted soon, auction proceedings will begin as scheduled.

Stay with us for further developments.