MUGABE R
Locals in Kanungu Town Council, Kanungu District, have expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to develop the Kibwetere Inferno site into a historical tourism destination.
March 17, 2025, marked 25 years since the tragic massacre at Nyabugoto Hill in Katete Cell, Eastern Ward, where cult leader Joseph Kibwetere orchestrated a deadly inferno that claimed an estimated 1,000 lives.
Since the incident, the site has been abandoned and overgrown with thick bush, creating a haven for criminals. Residents have raised concerns over the insecurity posed by the neglected area.
Moses Kamugisha, also known as Kamao, a mechanic in Kanungu Town Council, recalled witnessing the horrific inferno. He criticized the government for ignoring the site, arguing that it could be developed into a historical tourism center to generate revenue and benefit the local economy.
Koreta Tuhirirwe Beda Nalongo, an elderly resident living near the site, voiced her fears about the bushy area, which she believes harbors criminals, posing risks such as theft, assault, and attacks by wild animals.
Ben Musinguzi, the Local Council One defense officer, recalled the mass deaths and improper burials. He noted that while many people visit the site out of curiosity, they find nothing significant to see. He emphasized the need for the area to be developed to preserve its historical significance.
Moses Ndyahikayo, the Town Clerk of Kanungu Town Council, estimated that over 1,000 people perished in the fire. He assured residents that discussions with the district authorities are underway to develop the site and give it the recognition it deserves.
