Tourism Ministry Delivers on Pledge, Launches Development of Katoosa Martyrs Site

The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, has officially handed over the Katoosa Martyrs Catholic site to Shine Afric Ltd for the commencement of Phase I development works, marking a significant milestone in the preservation and promotion of Uganda’s faith and heritage tourism.

The handover ceremony was conducted by the Acting Commissioner for Museums and Monuments Dr. Jackline Nyiracyiza Besigye and attended by the Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Robert K. Muhiirwa, the clergy from the Diocese, district and local leaders, members of the church development committee and representatives of the contractor.

Located in Katoosa Parish, Kyenjojo District, the shrine is a nationally significant religious and historical site associated with St. Adolf Tibeyalirwa Ludigo, one of the Uganda Martyrs who was abducted from the area before his martyrdom. The site is renowned for its unique consecrated rocks bearing inscriptions of the Uganda Martyrs and has for decades attracted pilgrims and visitors from Uganda and across the region. The shrine is gazetted as a protected historical site under the Museums and Monuments Act and is recognized by Government for its religious, historical and tourism value.

Addressing stakeholders during the handover, Commissioner Nyiracyiza described the occasion as a landmark moment for Uganda’s faith heritage.

“Today marks an important milestone for Uganda’s faith heritage. The Ministry of Tourism is pleased to hand over the Katoosa Martyrs Catholic site to Shine Afric Ltd for the commencement of Phase I works. Government recognizes the site’s religious, historical and tourism significance and remains committed to its preservation and development,” she said.

Commissioner Nyiracyiza noted that Government has fulfilled its commitment to develop the shrine and called upon the community, church leaders and local authorities to continue supporting the project. The contractor was urged to ensure quality workmanship, adhere to approved designs, maintain close coordination with the Diocese and Parish authorities and safeguard the integrity of the monument site throughout construction. She further emphasized the need to uphold health, safety, and environmental standards while ensuring uninterrupted access for pilgrims.

The ministry of tourism through her department of museums and monuments has committed UGX 8,496,696,191 towards the development of the Katoosa Martyrs Site under Phase I of the project. The works are expected to be completed by 2028, marking a major investment in Uganda’s religious tourism infrastructure and heritage conservation efforts.

The Ministry of Tourism, through the Department of Museums and Monuments, will provide regular technical supervision to ensure that the project is implemented in accordance with conservation standards and approved plans.

District leaders welcomed the commencement of works and commended the Ministry for investing in the development of the site. They pledged their full cooperation and requested the contractor to prioritize employment opportunities for residents of Kyenjojo District so that local communities can directly benefit from the project. They also advised the contractor to exercise caution while operating near the neighbouring school and to ensure the safety of learners during construction.

The contractor, Shine Afric Ltd expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities and the Fort Portal Catholic Diocese for the confidence placed in them.

Shine Afric Ltd pledged to execute the project to the highest standards, fully comply with approved designs and contractual requirements, protect the martyrdom monument and all sacred areas, maintain safety for workers and visitors and work closely with the Ministry, the Diocese, the Parish and local leaders throughout the implementation process. The company also committed to engaging local labour and suppliers wherever possible to enhance community participation and economic benefits.

Rt. Rev. Robert K. Muhiirwa expressed appreciation to the Government of Uganda and the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Col. (Rtd) Tom R. Butime, for prioritizing Katoosa as a site of national religious and historical importance.

On behalf of the Fort Portal Catholic Diocese and the Christian community, the Bishop thanked Government for securing funding for the project, awarding the contract for Phase I works, deploying technical teams that have worked closely with the Church, and responding positively to the aspirations of both the Diocese and the local community.

He assured the Ministry of the Church’s full support throughout the implementation of the project, emphasizing that the Parish leadership, Parish Council and Christians of Katoosa would work hand in hand with Shine Afric Ltd and Government until completion.

Government pledged funding for the development of Katoosa Shrine in 2024 as part of broader efforts to strengthen faith-based tourism infrastructure. Planned developments include visitor facilities and supporting infrastructure aimed at enhancing the experience of pilgrims and tourists while preserving the shrine’s heritage value. Upon completion in May 2028, the project is expected to further position Katoosa as a key destination on Uganda’s growing faith tourism circuit, complementing other nationally significant pilgrimage destinations and contributing to local economic development through increased visitor number

The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities has previously overseen and supported the development of other significant martyrs’ heritage sites, including the Namugongo Martyrs Shrines and the St. Andrew Kaggwa Martyrs Site in Munyonyo, experiences that continue to guide Government’s efforts in preserving and developing faith-based tourism destinations across the country.