The first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, has announced the addition of two new tourism sites in Busoga, aiming to enhance the region’s tourism appeal.
The newly unveiled sites are the Nakyaaka Medicinal Forest and the Namagero Cultural Site, both situated in Kizuba Sub County, Namutumba District.
Hellen Namutamba from Busoga Tourism and Heritage highlighted the importance of these sites.
“Nakyaaka Forest covers eight acres and features numerous medicinal trees, while Namagero Cultural Site holds significant heritage value for the Baise Iganga clan, being the initial settlement of their ancestor Byaruhanga from Bunyoro,” Namutamba explained.
Kadaga, as the patron of tourism in Busoga Kingdom, emphasized the potential of these sites to improve local household incomes.
“I urge residents near these tourist spots to engage in activities that can attract income from visiting tourists,” Kadaga advised the locals.
She also warned locals against sharing their herbal formulas with tourists to preserve their economic value.
With these additions, Busoga now boasts 38 tourist attractions across various districts, including the Source of the Nile in Jinja (Butembe Chiefdom), Kagulu Rock in Buyende District (Budiope Chiefdom), and Bishop Hannington Memorial Site in Mayuge District (Bunha Chiefdom).
Kadaga is also considering adding the headquarters of the Isa Masiya Christian Sect, led by Apostle Besweri Kaswabuli and located in Namutumba District, to the list of religious tourist sites.
During a visit to Apostle Besweri’s home, Kadaga expressed her intention to advocate for the sect’s recognition among religious groups.
“When I meet the President, I will remind him of his commitment to support the construction of your prayer house, including providing 2,000 iron sheets and other materials,” Kadaga assured.
She later addressed a public gathering at Namutumba Town Council headquarters, where LCV Chairman David Mukisa requested her assistance in securing government funding for the new tourist sites’ development.
“We receive only Shs10 billion from the government as Namutumba District Local Government, which limits our ability to develop our tourist sites. We seek your help in obtaining more funding to enhance these new attractions,” Mukisa stated.
What this means for Busoga and Uganda
The introduction of these new tourist sites in Busoga is a big step for the region and Uganda as a whole. For Busoga, it means more visitors, which can lead to more jobs and higher incomes for local people. Businesses like hotels, restaurants, and shops can grow, benefiting from the spending by tourists.
For Uganda, boosting tourism in regions like Busoga helps diversify the country’s tourist attractions beyond famous spots like the Source of the Nile. This can attract more visitors to the country, helping to increase national tourism revenue. Additionally, preserving cultural and natural sites helps maintain Uganda’s rich heritage and biodiversity, offering educational and ecological benefits.
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