NICHOLAS A
Residents of Rukungiri District are calling on authorities to prioritize road rehabilitation as a crucial step toward developing tourism and improving access to local attractions.
While celebrating International Tourism Day, residents expressed pride in the district’s tourist sites, such as Queen Elizabeth National Park in Bwambara Sub-county and local hot springs. However, they voiced concerns over the poor accessibility of some attractions, particularly Ihimbo Hot Springs in Bwambara.
Charles Byabagambi, a resident of Kikarara in Bwambara, stressed the need for the government to upgrade roads leading to these tourist sites to ensure easier travel for visitors.
Gideon Twinobusingye, from Nyarushanje Sub-county, raised an issue with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), criticizing the lack of compensation for farmers whose gardens near Queen Elizabeth National Park are often destroyed by wildlife.
Onyete Bingana, the Rukungiri District Tourism Officer, assured residents that efforts are being made to enhance tourism in the district. He mentioned ongoing collaboration with UWA and the Ministry of Tourism to improve the district’s tourist sites, including Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rwenshama Fish Landing Site in Bwambara, Lake Kimbugu in Kebisoni, and hot springs in Buyanja, Rubabo, Nyarushanje, and Ihimbo. He urged local communities to protect these sites, noting their contribution to foreign exchange earnings.
Onyete also informed residents in Bwambara that UWA is currently installing an electric fence to prevent animals from entering and damaging gardens.
Rukungiri District Chairperson Geoffrey Kyomukama announced plans to further develop tourism in the district, with preparations underway to establish a tourism hub showcasing traditional African artifacts such as mortars, pots, baskets, and calabashes. He also confirmed that the district is working on upgrading its road network to facilitate the movement of people, goods, and services.
Musiimenta Kaledonia Bakironda Clare, the District Secretary for Education, Social Services, and Commercial Tourism, emphasized the shared responsibility of protecting tourist attractions, which contribute to Rukungiri’s unique appeal.
