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Busoga sub-region boasts numerous potential tourism sites that could attract local and international visitors alike. These sites include the iconic Source of the Nile, currently undergoing refurbishment, as well as Itanda Falls, Busowoku Falls, and Igenge Palace, all located in Jinja. Other notable attractions encompass Kagulu Rock and Iyingo cultural sites in Buyende District, along with the Bishop Hannington Shrine and Bukaleba Slave Port in Mayuge District.
Despite the richness of these tourism offerings, stakeholders have voiced concerns over the sub-region’s inability to realize its full tourism potential. One of the primary reasons cited for this shortfall is the internal strife among leaders within Busoga. This discord, according to stakeholders, has impeded the development and promotion of the region’s tourism sector.
Mr. Vivian Lyazi, the assistant commissioner of quality assurance and project coordinator of tourism in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, emphasized the detrimental impact of leadership conflicts on Busoga’s tourism prospects. He highlighted that resolving these internal disputes could pave the way for promoting and developing existing tourism sites to attract more visitors to the sub-region.
The sentiments were echoed by Mr. Daudi Migereko, the former Uganda Tourism Board chairperson, who lamented the resistance from Busoga’s leadership toward government-led initiatives aimed at empowering and promoting the region. Migereko emphasized the importance of embracing modernization to remain competitive in the tourism sector.
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Ms. Judith Batali, the tourism officer of Buyende District, identified the lack of collaboration among stakeholders as a significant challenge facing Busoga’s tourism sector. She emphasized the need for stakeholders to work together cohesively rather than operating in isolation.
In response to these challenges, Mr. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, pledged government support to enhance tourism in Busoga. He announced plans to establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with stakeholders, including the Busoga Kingdom and religious leaders, to share information about historical sites for proper documentation.
Furthermore, Mr. Mugarra emphasized the importance of faith-based tourism and underscored the government’s commitment to train local tour guides to provide accurate information to visitors. Additionally, collaboration with Busoga Kingdom and religious sectors will be prioritized to address accessibility issues and prevent vandalism at tourism sites.
Ms. Hellen Namutamba, the Minister of Tourism and Heritage in the Busoga Kingdom, acknowledged the challenges facing the region’s tourism sector while highlighting the government’s investments in developing tourism sites. She expressed optimism about the opportunities for growth and development within Busoga, signaling a collective effort to overcome existing hurdles and harness the region’s tourism potential.
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