HUYE-The Director General of the Institute of National Museums of Rwanda (INMR), has called upon Rwandans to conserve and safeguard the country’s cultural and historical objects, as a way of contributing to the development of local museums.

Alphonse B. Umulisa made the call, Tuesday, during a press conference in Huye District.

Umulisa noted that for their survival, museums needed people’s interest which, he said, is expressed through visits to the facilities.

"Without the community, museums cannot operate. We need people to be more interested in visiting various museums and see how special, strong and rich our culture is,” he observed.

Umulisa urged the public to donate artefacts of historical value as a way of preserving the Rwandan cultural heritage.

"We call upon all Rwandans and any other individuals that have significant artefacts, be it photographs of leaders or people of significant importance, dance, dress code, hair styles and documents that are of value to the Rwandan culture or history to bring them to us. We will be very pleased to receive them and we assure that the responsible parties will be compensated accordingly,” Umulisa appealed.

The institute received a donation of a photo of King Rudahigwa during the opening of the Bralirwa plant in 1959 and the passports of the King and his Queen, Rosalie Gicanda. INMR also received a record of the Queen’s civil status.

At the event, Umulisa disclosed that his institute is looking forward to taking over the last residence of Queen Rosalie Gicanda,located in Huye town.

"The house is one of the historical monuments which should not fall under the control of whoever is not interested in safeguarding historical heritage. It is upon us to acquire it and exploit it for the benefits of the entire society,” he observed.

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