Kyabazinga hails president Museveni on tourism promotion in Busoga

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BUYENDE

Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV has applauded President Yoweri Museveni, through his NRM government, for supporting tourism and other development programs in Busoga Kingdom.

Kyabazinga hailed Museveni particularly for developing Kagulu Hill in Buyende district, an initiative which has attracted more tourists in the sub region.

This was in his remarks during the 9th edition of Kagulu Rock Climbing Challenge event on August 17th, 2024 at Kagulu hill in Buyende district.

Kyabazinga, who was Chief Climber, was joined by the first deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga.

Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV (3rd R) and First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister East African Community Affairs Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga (2nd R) cutting a tape to kickoff the 9th edition of the Climbing Challenge at Kagulu Hill in Buyende district on Saturday. Looking on is Busoga Kingdom's Minister of Tourism and Heritage Hellen Namutamba (M). (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

Upon arrival, he was welcomed by Busoga Kingdom’s Prime Minister Dr. Joseph Muvawala who was in company of Busoga Kingdom’s Minister of Tourism and Heritage Namutamba Hellen and many dignitaries among others.

Kyabazinga with Kadaga, cut a tape to kick off this year's climbing challenge at the famous 3600ft Hill.

He Majestically walked as he ascended the hill with thousands of his subjects trailing behind him in order to reach the top.

While at the top the Monarch toured the caves, resting places, and the Statue of Prince Namutukula, a great grand ancestor of Busoga.

During speeches, Kyabazinga also appreciated Busoga Kingdom’s Ministry of Tourism and Heritage led by Hellen Namutamba for the tireless efforts in promoting tourism in Busoga.

Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV (middle) being trailed by thousands of his subjects as he was ascending Kagulu hill during the Kagulu Rock Climbing Challenge in Buyende district on Saturday. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

“I further appreciate the developments done by the central government which include construction of modern steps on the hill, rest places and the Statue of Prince Mukama Namutukula at the top,” Kyabazinga said.

He requested Kadaga and Busoga Kingdom’s Prime Minister Dr. Joseph Muvawala to work in partnership with Buyende district local government and fast track the process of acquiring a land title for Kagulu Hill area.

On his part, Kadaga, said President Museveni has been key in supporting all the 9 editions of the Kagulu Rock Climbing challenges and this, has increased foreign revenue in Busoga and the Country at large.

“The number of tourism sites in Busoga has increased from 35 to now 45 and the number of tourists has also increased in that we receive over 700 local tourists at Kagulu every weekend and since this year begun, we have registered about 33,600 tourists who have visited Kagulu,” Kadaga explained.

She names the new tourism sites unveiled this year to include: Isenda Hill and Namusita Hill in Bunyole Bunhanumba Chiefdom; Mawuta Hill and Fort Luba Thurston in Bunyha Chiefdom; Kyaka Botanical Garden and Namagera Cultural site in Busiki Chiefdom; and Namakoko landing site and Kikalu Hill in Bukono Chiefdom.

Busoga Kingdom’s Minister of Tourism and Heritage, Hellen Namutamba, appreciated sponsors who included Vision Group among others for the support towards the successful event.

Namutamba revealed other features expected to be established at the Kagulu Hill site include a modern market, permanent tents, Tourism training school, installation of a cable car and tarmacking of the road to Kagulu hill.

Mathias Bazanya, the Bugabula South Member of Parliament hopeful and resident of Bugabula, said tourism sites have marketed Busoga Kingdom and its rich culture in the World and appreciated Kyabazinga and Minister Namutamba for the efforts of promoting tourism in the sub region.

Bazanya advocated for the tarmacking of the road that leads to Kagulu Hill from Kamuli town.  

The three day’s event featured a Miss Tourism Busoga Beauty pageant, musicians from Busoga, who performed for the tourists, games like traditional wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, bicycle races, vigorous kisoga dance contests and a kisoga film ‘Kagoya’.

Winners of various competitions were awarded with cash prizes and all climbers who reached the top got medals.

Present at the event were Prince Arnold Nadiope, Members of Parliament who included Eng. Moses Magogo (Budiope East), Mary Nakatto (Buyende Woman MP), Martin Muzale (Buzaaya), Isabalangira of Busoga Samuel Zirabamuzale Nkuutu, Royal Chiefs, Busoga Lukiiko’s Speaker George Mutyabule among others.