The State Minister for Tourism has pledged to ensure the uplifting the status of Busoga’s tourism sites and accommodation facilities to boost the industry.
Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, the State Minister for tourism announced the development during the 2023 annual Kagulu rock climbing challenge, in Buyende district on Saturday.
The Minister stated that the government is committed to lifting Busoga’s tourism sites, and has plans of construct a three-star hotel at Kagulu tourism site to offer standard accommodation for the tourists.
Speaking at the same function, the Busoga Minister of Tourism, Hellen Namutamba asked the government to invest five billion shillings, which will be used to setup standard infrastructure at the Kagulu rock, that includes a standard pavilion, for conducive sitting space for the revelers, health facility for first aid and physiotherapy services and a traditional market to benefit both locals and tourists.
She noted that having a permanent sitting space would save funds spent in hiring tents and chairs while the health facility provides faster services for tourists.
“This site requires a well equipped health center, which will offer first aid to a section of tourists and the locals. We also want the local government in this area to construct a traditional market, where members from the surrounding communities can easily sell their crafts and other related goods to the tourists, who flock this rock,” added Namutamba.
The 1st Deputy Prime Minister Hon . Rebbeca Kadaga also challenged all stakeholders in Busoga sub region to embrace Kagulu rock climbing day, as prestigious to the entire economic setup of Busoga, since it attracts masses of tourists to purchase goods and services from the communities.
“This is part of our cake as Basoga and let us protect it from saboteurs, by desisting from organizing parallel events on this day, but rather jointly mobilize our communities to appreciate the beauty of Kagulu rock, which overly serves as a big revenue earner to our people,” added Kadaga.
This year’s event attracted over 30,000 revellers from both Uganda and the diaspora, who joined the Kyabazinga of Busoga, HRH, William Gabula, to climb the 3600FT, Kagulu rock in Buyende district.