By It has been a great joy, honor and privilege for me to partner with the Museum of Surrey in British Columbia, Canada to curate an exhibit called: Celebrating Our Ugandan Heritage, which officially opened on January 28, 2025 and will be on view to the public until April 27, 2025.
I have never curated a museum exhibit before, so this meant stepping out of my comfort zone, learning new things and challenging myself. I was so grateful to work with Shayla Hunt, the Museum curator who guided me step by step, with creative out of the box ideas. One such idea was for me to shoot a tutorial video making one of my favorite Ugandan foods to add to the exhibit. I chose to make Rolex. Watch the video here:
Curating this exhibit with the help of my husband Gilbert and our children Daniella and Elijah, has been an exhilarating and fun experience. As Canadians of Ugandan descent, our heritage is an important part of who we are. Preserving and passing on our culture to the next generation, as well as sharing it with the community that surrounds us is a privilege we do not take lightly.
The exhibit features thoughtfully curated items from our family’s private collection. These objects connect us with our Ugandan roots as we go about living and working in Canada. This immersive experience invites visitors to explore Uganda—a land of breathtaking beauty, rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions. From learning how to make a Rolex, to sitting back and listening to traditional Ugandan music, there is an exciting journey ahead!
I am passionate about positive and public representation of Ugandans in the diaspora, who have contributed in many ways to the growth, development and diversity of the countries they now live in. The valuable work they do and the positive impact they are having on their communities must be recognized and celebrated publicly.
It is indeed an achievement worth celebrating. To see Uganda highlighted at Museum of Surrey. To be able to walk into a public space and see pictures of people that look like you, clothes and traditional artifacts from your own culture and heritage is validating and boosts confidence. It shows that you too belong there and are a vital part of the society as well. Once the younger generation sees their country of heritage and people that look like them being recognized, being celebrated in the limelight, it reinforces the truth that there is no limit to what they too can achieve. Our cultural background is a strength and advantage, not a limitation.
There has been an overwhelmingly great response from the public, including newspaper articles in Peace Arch News and Surrey Now-Leader, TV interviews with British Columbia Institute of Technology news and radio interviews with Praise 106.5. Art BC also toured the exhibit and featured it on their web page. I’m so grateful that sharing my heritage has been so well received.
One of my highlights has been Uganda’s Ambassador to Canada, His Excellency Allan Kajik, Acting Head of Mission, Uganda High Commission- Ottawa flying in all the way from Ottawa for an official tour of the Exhibit: Celebrating Our Ugandan Heritage at the Museum of Surrey in British Columbia.
H.E Ambassador Allan Kajik remarked that he was exceedingly overjoyed by the passion and level of patriotism shown with this exhibit showcasing Uganda in British Columbia, Canada. He thanked the Matembe family for the invitation to tour this exhibit and for our creativity and hard work.
“It is a pleasure being part of the history Rachel and her family have made, and to support this excellent initiative. Uganda is such a beautiful country. We have a lot of attachment to our heritage. Our languages, culture, clothing, food, all connect us together,” he added.
He saluted the Museum management for the warm reception, and for championing the community treasures initiative to showcase diversity in the City of Surrey, BC., and said he looked forward to more engagement with the Museum of Surrey, BC.
He also requested that the museum provide a permanent home for this exhibit or something similar showcasing Uganda and the diversity of the country considering the long-standing diplomatic relationship between Uganda and Canada, since Uganda gained independence from British rule in 1962. The Ambassador acknowledged and thanked the government of Canada for creating a space and giving Ugandans the opportunity to do the right thing in this Country.
The Celebrating Our Ugandan Heritage exhibit is about connecting the public with the rich, vibrant culture of Uganda. It is about representation and education about new and diverse cultures. Visitors will find it to be an overall edifying experience of Ugandan culture that broadens their knowledge about Uganda.
The good news is that you can also view the exhibit virtually from anywhere in the world by following the link below. Or simply scan the QR code attached to take the virtual tour! https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=hT9duS2KXfc
Highlights of the Exhibit:
A Private Collection on Display
Discover a Surrey family’s extraordinary private collection of Ugandan artifacts, cultural clothing, and traditional beaded jewelry. Each piece tells a story of heritage, craftsmanship, and pride, offering a unique glimpse into the cultural richness of Uganda.
A Journey For the Senses
Learn how to cook a classic Ugandan street food, the Rolex, from start to finish. Then take a recipe card home with you and try it for yourself!
An Interactive Cultural Experience
Immerse yourself in the sounds of traditional Ugandan music while you read through fascinating books that deepen your knowledge about Uganda: the pearl of Africa.
Check out our photo highlights in the gallery below.
