Military Museums and National Security

Abstract

This study is on the importance of Military Museums on Uganda’s National Security and the challenges in their development, it was qualitative and was library based; the main sources included secondary and archival. The study found no strictly Military Museum in the country although there were 64 registered archaeological, paleontological, historical and traditional sites. It found that military museums were useful in highlighting Uganda’s military and historical resources, would foster access to and enjoyment of national security and peace, contribute to peace process, provide employment and income and informative to both research and educational purposes. The challenges to establishment of military museums in Uganda included lack of thematic focus, localized visions of museums and under-funding by the state. Its recommendations included heavy funding by the state into the museums for the preservation of National Security and Uganda’s heritage. This would raise the consciousness of the population through education on the linkage between museums national security and peace. Its conclusion is that military museums are fundamental for the national security and stability. The vast military experience and rich history of the country seems to be hanging in balance. Existing museums are still highly colonized and tell the story from western lenses. Attempts to decolonize them in order to have the story and experiences told from the perspectives of the indigenous people have been minimal. The state needs to invest resources in them to foster this cause. Given that national security is solely a domain of the state makes it imperative for the state to take charge and control of military museums ensures their resourcing and protection.