Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs, has opened two new tourism sites in Busoga to boost tourism in the region. The new sites are Nakyaaka Medicinal Forest and Namagero Cultural Site, both in Kizuba Sub County, Namutumba District.
Hellen Namutamba from Busoga Tourism and Heritage explained why these new sites are important.
“Nakyaaka Forest covers eight acres and has many trees that can cure various diseases. Namagero Cultural Site is important to the Baise Iganga clan because their ancestor Byaruhanga first settled there after coming from Bunyoro,” Namutamba said.
Kadaga, who supports tourism in Busoga Kingdom, said these sites could help local people earn more money.
“I encourage those living near these sites to start businesses that can earn money from tourists,” Kadaga told locals.
She also said she would ask the Ministry of Tourism to set up revenue collection centers at the new sites. However, she warned locals not to share their herbal remedies with tourists, as this should be a source of income for them.
With these new sites, Busoga now has 38 tourist attractions in 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 also plans to add the headquarters of the Isa Masiya Christian Sect, led by Apostle Besweri Kaswabuli in Namutumba District, to the list of religious tourist sites.
During a visit to Apostle Besweri’s home, Kadaga promised to ask the President to fulfill his pledge to support the construction of their prayer house, including providing 2,000 iron sheets and other materials.
Later, at a public meeting in Namutumba Town Council, LCV Chairman David Mukisa asked Kadaga to help secure government funding to develop the new tourist sites.
“We only get Shs10 billion from the government as Namutumba District Local Government, which is not enough to develop our tourist sites. We need your help to get more funding,” Mukisa said.
Adding Nakyaaka Medicinal Forest and Namagero Cultural Site to Busoga’s tourism circuit is significant for both Busoga and Uganda. It helps diversify the attractions in the region, bringing in more tourists and creating income opportunities for local people. This can improve living standards and boost the local economy. On a larger scale, it enhances Uganda’s overall tourism offerings, which can attract more international visitors and contribute to the national economy.
About Memoir Uganda – Showcasing Uganda
We are a comprehensive tourism and travel media company unleashing information about Uganda. We offer, among others, an all-inclusive guide on everything Uganda such as itineraries, consular information, timely and updated tour and travel news and general information about visiting and living in Uganda.
To us, Uganda is more than a tour destination. It is our homeland. Our knowledge about Uganda is ocean deep and we love showing the country’s splendid beauty to the world. We aim at sharing and showcasing Uganda to the tiniest bit, better than anyone else. We also aim at conserving our home land through our un wavered efforts towards climate change awareness.
Our Memoir Magazine showcases Uganda’s diverse potential in detail that is often left out and unknown. You ought never to miss a copy. We robustly believe that traveling should make the world a better place for everyone.
