Vintage car owners in Uganda want Parliament to support them to maintain the old plate number registrations of their vehicles as a historical emblem and vital legacy that their cars denote.
Vintage cars are automobiles manufactured between 919 to 1930. Enthusiasts and collectors have categorized the cars in terms of ages to enforce distinctions between antique cars, vintage cars and classic cars among others.
The Vintage car owners made the appeal on Tuesday during the flag-off event of the mobile museum that included the exhibition of vintage automobiles in commemoration of the International Museum Day events slated for Wednesday, May 18th 2022.
Its objective is to create awareness about the fact that Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.
Speaking at the flag-off, the Uganda Vintage Car Club President, James Ayo, said that many of them have been forced to re-register their cars using the current registration and number plate series when changing ownership or acquiring vehicle insurance.
“We deterred them from fully preserving the cars to their original state and in entirety their historical appeal,” Ayo said. Other partners such as the Bank of Uganda Money Museum, the URA Museum and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities also joined in the celebrations.
The cars, which were paraded together with other vintage collections, were viewed by MPs and members of the public before proceeding to the National Museum in Kampala for the rest of the celebrations.
Museums usually play a significant role for local communities and help tourists to understand Kampala Capital City from different perspectives. Researchers also utilize this opportunity to know the Country from different viewpoints.
Thomas Tayebwa, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament who presided over the function agreed with the petitioners about the importance of collecting and preserving ancient items that serve as a historical reminder of human and technical evolution.
“I will consult the Commissioner in the Ministry of Works and Transport charged with car registration to see that the practice is reversed and the cars re-issued with their original number plates.
The Deputy Clerk of Parliament, Henry Waiswa told the petitioners that the Museum of Parliament was established to preserve the democratic history and the heritage of Uganda dating back to the pre-colonial era.
He pointed out that upon getting more space and funding, the museum will be revitalized, expanded and properly stocked to attract the public.
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