Not really knowing what to expect from the UM other than the rather un-inspiring description of a “run-down building” as one guidebook superficially suggests, I went in hope rather than expectation (my last visit to a museum was a painful experience!). However, what I discovered was a charming and diverse set of exhibitions that were interesting, informative and accessible to all. The call by George Wilson in 1906 for all “articles of interest” on Uganda to be procured, perhaps explains why the museum scope is so broad and its collections are so varied. This diversity is the museum’s strength and I imagine all visitors will be able to find something that grabs their interests as they wander through the various galleries.

You enter the museum and the hall splits in three directions leading to the different exhibits - stone-age

After spending time soaking up all the information on offer, I felt the need to blow off some steam, and what better way to do it than ‘having a crack’ at the different Ugandan musical instruments that the museum holds. Despite not having a single musical bone in my body, Alice (who had enticed me over in the first place with her serene tube fiddle tunes) showed me the ropes and we ‘jammed’ for a while! This involved sporadic banging of drums by me, and true finger wizardry from Alice on a number of different instruments.

The traditional instruments on display are a far cry from the ones you see for sale in various craft shops and very special, and this comes from someone with no prior interest in musical instruments other than an ipod! Having taken one last quick tour round the museum to grab some shots of my favorite pieces, I left feeling my afternoon had truly enriched my understanding of Uganda by an unstressed wander through a fascinating place.