Government and the Busoga Kingdom have unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the sub-region into a key tourism hub, anchored on strategic partnerships, infrastructure development and cultural heritage promotion.
The renewed push follows a recent meeting between officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, led by State Minister for Tourism Martin Mugarra, and the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, at Igenge Palace in Bugembe.
During the meeting, government officials commended the Kyabazinga for championing tourism under the Kyabazinga Initiative, describing Busoga as a vital component of Uganda’s tourism value chain.
“We are here on a retreat but also to appreciate your contribution towards tourism development not just in Busoga but in the country,” Mugarra said, noting that several projects have already been implemented in partnership with local communities.
Among the initiatives highlighted is the development of Kagulu Hill, which has gained popularity through events such as the Kagulu Climbing Challenge.
Government also plans to improve infrastructure at key tourism sites, including the Bishop Hannington Shrine, Fort Lugard and Ndulu Island.
Officials revealed that Ndulu Island has been submitted to UNESCO for consideration, while other plans include upgrading the Bukaleba Forest Reserve and improving facilities at the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute located in Jinja City.
Phase one of works to improve the Source of the Nile has also been completed, with additional phases planned.
“Busoga as a region is one of the most important areas in the tourism value chain that we sell to tourists who visit our country. When we work together with the kingdom, we can achieve even more,” Mugarra noted.
The Kyabazinga welcomed the partnership and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting tourism as a solution to some of the social and economic challenges facing the region.
“We believe that if we work with you hand in hand, we can be able to increase visitors and showcase our culture and heritage. We are looking forward to having a special MOU to ensure that we work together and ensure that we have a good relationship that will bring in more visitors to Busoga and the country,” the king said.
He noted that even in the absence of a formal memorandum of understanding, government was already playing a key role in developing tourism in the kingdom, and expressed optimism about formalising the partnership.
The Kyabazinga also revealed that the kingdom has assembled a team of administrators to support tourism initiatives and is ready to work closely with government and development partners.
He emphasised the need to develop, promote and protect several lesser-known tourism sites across the region.
Under its long-term strategy, the kingdom is repositioning Busoga from a transit stopover, particularly through Jinja, into a fully-fledged multi-product tourism destination.
The plan centres on the Source of the Nile as a flagship global attraction, alongside adventure tourism activities such as those at Kagulu Rock and along the Nile.
It also includes packaging cultural tourism through the Kyabazinga Royal Trail, a curated route linking key heritage sites such as Igenge Palace, Budhumbula Royal Tombs, Bishop Hannington Site, Jinja Cultural Centre and Mpumudde Hill.
The strategy further seeks to expand new tourism sites, including Nakyaaka, Kikalu and Namagero, while promoting eco and community tourism through forests, landing sites and rural experiences.
At least 38 tourism sites have already been identified across the region, providing a broad pipeline for development.
The Kyabazinga said the kingdom has land available for hospitality development to attract private investors and expand accommodation facilities.
He also proposed the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Tourism to formalise cooperation in site development, conservation and marketing.
He added that international partners such as UNESCO have already come on board to support the development of heritage sites, while the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute continues to build local capacity through bursaries offered to students from surrounding communities.
Government has also allocated Shs25 billion to support development.
Key projects include the Source of the Nile, where plans are underway to upgrade it into a world-class attraction and push for UNESCO World Heritage status, alongside improving amenities such as hotels and restaurants.
Kagulu Rock is also being positioned as Busoga’s signature adventure destination, offering panoramic views and historical significance linked to early Basoga settlement.
Cultural and heritage sites such as Budhumbula Shrine and Palace, Namagero Cultural Site and Mpumwiire Coronation Site are also being promoted to strengthen storytelling around Busoga’s monarchy and identity.
In addition to tourism, government is also investing in sports infrastructure as part of efforts to boost the region’s appeal and economic potential.
Plans are underway to redevelop Kyabazinga Stadium, commonly known as Bugembe Stadium, into a modern multi-sport complex with a seating capacity of 20,000.
The project, being implemented by the National Council of Sports, will include a main stadium, training grounds, a standard athletics track and an indoor arena for sports such as boxing and basketball.
According to Milton Chebet, Assistant General Secretary for Technical Affairs at the National Council of Sports, the redevelopment is part of a broader government programme to modernise sports infrastructure across the country, with both Kyabazinga and Mbale stadiums prioritised for Eastern Uganda.
However, the project could face challenges due to suspected encroachment on land designated for the expansion.
Officials say some individuals have constructed permanent houses on parts of the land, raising concerns about whether the original plan can be fully implemented. Authorities are yet to clarify whether affected occupants will be compensated.
Despite the challenges, Kyabazinga Stadium remains one of the key sporting venues in Eastern Uganda, hosting regional football matches and community events. Once upgraded, officials believe it will significantly boost sports development and talent nurturing in the Busoga sub-region.
