By Sadiiki Adams
KAMPALA: The Bishop of the Diocese of Kinkiizi, Rt Rev Dan Zoreka has revealed plans by the Diocese to invest in eco-tourism to increase its self-sustainability, taking advantage of the proximity of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Bishop Zoreka, made the revelation during a meeting with Diocesan stakeholders in Kampala today.
“Our Diocese is situated in an area with incredible wildlife and natural beauty. We see eco-tourism as an opportunity to attract visitors to the area, while also generating revenue to support our Diocese’s needs,” said Bishop Zoreka.
According to Bishop Zoreka, the Diocese plans to transform the Ngoto Resort Hotel into an eco-friendly facility to attract tourists visiting the nearby national parks.
“To enhance the tourism experience, the Diocese has partnered with the Uganda Wildlife Authority to habituate chimpanzees to the Ngoto forest, which is adjacent to Bwindi National Park, the home to mountain gorillas which is a valuable addition to the list of wildlife present in the area,” said Bishop Zoreka.
He added, “The Ngoto Resort Hotel will be a state-of-the-art eco-friendly hotel with modern amenities to attract tourists who want to experience the beauty of the area without harming the environment.”
Before the meeting, the Bishop showed stakeholders the apartment purchased by the Diocese in 2019 in Bukoto, which has since then been generating revenue for the Diocese.
“We are running a greening campaign to plant natural trees to conserve the environment and combat climate change. We applaud Dr. James Musinguzi Garuga for his contribution of over 3000 natural trees to the Diocese,” noted Bishop Zoreka.
Bishop Zoreka stressed the Diocese’s commitment to investing in self-sustainability projects and encouraged stakeholders to support the Diocese in its efforts.
“We are excited about the opportunities eco-tourism presents for our Diocese. We believe that by investing in sustainable development, we can secure the future of our Diocese and its people.” Bishop Zoreka said.
Dr. Garuga, the Senior Advisor of the Diocese on self-sustainability, commended the Diocese for its focus on self-sustainability and urged them to transform education standards in the area.
“We need to focus on education and skills development to improve the quality of life for our people. We are also planning to build a state-of-the-art stadium in Kihihi to boost sports and bring local revenue.” Dr. Garuga said.
He added, “With the airfield already in existence, this will greatly transform our local communities.”
Nakasero Hospital’s Managing Director, Canon Dr. Ben Mbonye; Church of Uganda’s Director for Household and Community Transformation, Rev. Andrew Agaba; UNDP’s Onesimus Muhwezi, Ministry of Finance’s Emmanuel Mbabazi; Bishop’s Advisor, Mrs. Peace Ndyabahika, the Diocese’s Deputy Chancellor, Keen Twesigye and Kinkiizi Traders’ Boss, Canon Frank Twine attended the meeting.
Also in attendance was the Chancellor of North Kigezi Diocese, Canon Agaba Maguru; Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Gad Njemura; the Diocesan Treasurer, Canon Fabith Katureebe and Church of Uganda’s Communications Officer, Mr. Sadiiki Adams.
ENDS..
