EDITOR
Kabale elders have called on President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to address and fulfill several long-standing government pledges in the Kigezi sub-region as he begins his campaign trail this week.
The President is expected to start his tours in Kisoro and Rubanda districts on Monday, proceed to Rukiga and Kabale on Tuesday, and conclude with Kanungu and Rukungiri on Wednesday.
Speaking to our reporter, Dr. Francis Runumi, an advisor with the Kabale Elders Forum, said it was important for the President to revisit and act on commitments made during previous campaigns. He highlighted key infrastructure projects that have not materialized, including tourism roads such as the Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi road, whose construction was launched but never commenced, and the Katuna–Muko road.
Dr. Runumi stressed that despite Kigezi contributing nearly 70 percent of Uganda’s tourism sector, it remains the second poorest region after Karamoja. He said that completing these strategic roads would greatly boost development and enhance tourism potential.
He also urged the President to resolve the long-standing issue of unpaid tea nursery bed operators, noting that many have waited years for compensation.
Dr. Runumi further emphasized that Kabale deserves the operationalization of a regional tourism city, explaining that it was among Uganda’s first 16 traditional districts—yet it remains the only one that has not been elevated to city status. He also advocated for the establishment of a steel industrial hub in the region, citing the abundance of iron ore in Kigezi.
He attributed the slow pace of development in the region to what he described as selfish and egocentric tendencies among some local leaders, which he said have contributed to persistent poverty in Kigezi.
