KYABAZINGA CALLS FOR STRATEGIC TOURISM ALLIANCE AS MINISTRY DEEPENS ENGAGEMENT IN BUSOGA

IGENGE – Day Two of the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities’ top management retreat in jinja included a strategic visit to Bugembe, for a high-level engagement at the Royal Palace of Igenge, with His Majesty William Gabula Nadiope IV calling for a formalized partnership to unlock the sub-region’s vast tourism potential.

The delegation, led by the Minister of State for Tourism, Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, held discussions with the Kyabazinga, focusing on positioning Busoga as a cornerstone of Uganda’s tourism growth strategy.

Minister of State for Tourism, Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka

Speaking at the palace, Hon. Mugarra underscored government’s commitment to consolidating Uganda’s status as a leading destination on the continent, noting that tourism remains one of the country’s top foreign exchange earners.

“To position Uganda as number one, we must appreciate and invest in regions like Busoga that hold immense cultural, historical and adventure tourism value,” Mugarra said, thanking the people of Busoga for their continued contribution to the sector.

He highlighted ongoing and planned government interventions across the sub-region, including development works at Kagulu Hill, enhancement of the Bishop Hannington site, progress on Dolwe Island in Namayingo, conservation efforts in Bukaleba and preservation of the historic Fort Luba vessel in Mayuge. He also pointed to major infrastructure investments such as the nearly complete Source of the Nile redevelopment project valued at UGX 36 billion, where local communities will be given priority in opportunities arising from the project.

The Minister further referenced strategic investments in skills development through the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training College, including a 3-star application hotel and expanded training facilities under the CEDP framework, alongside government-funded hostel infrastructure.

In his remarks, the Kyabazinga expressed gratitude for the continued partnership, emphasizing his personal passion for tourism development and conservation.

“We are grateful for the great initiatives and the work you are doing. We look forward to strengthening this relationship through an official MOU,” the Kyabazinga said. said.

He called for joint efforts to pursue UNESCO recognition for the River Nile, citing its global religious and cultural significance and urged greater promotion of lesser- known heritage assets such as the Walumbe slave caves near Bukaleba Forest. The monarch also proposed the development of a tourism circuit around the peninsula, leveraging its biodiversity and historical depth.

The Kingdom’s leadership reaffirmed its focus on cultural preservation and economic transformation through tourism, describing Busoga as a strategic selling point for Uganda’s adventure tourism portfolio.

Hon. Mugarra welcomed the proposal for an MOU, committing the Ministry to commence feasibility studies and fulfill pledges made during the engagement.

The visit reinforced a shared resolve between central government and the Busoga Kingdom to harness heritage, conservation and infrastructure development as drivers of inclusive growth and national prestige

GALLERY