In a bid to boost tourism in Busoga, Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV is expected to be the chief climber of Kagulu Rock come August 26, 2023, in the Buyende district.

First Deputy Prime Minister and also Minister for East Africa Community Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga, is also expected to flank Busoga Kingdom King Nadiope on the opening of the three-day rock climbing challenge.

The challenge organised by the Kingdom Tourism Ministry is under the theme Creating Employment Through Digital Tourism. 

Speaking during a media briefing at Busoga Kingdom headquarters in Jinja city on Tuesday, kingdom tourism minister Hellen Namutamba said locals will also be able to sell their food and art pieces to tourists.

She urged the Buyende residents to prepare accommodation facilities that will be hired out to tourists who are expected to spend nights in the Kagulu sub-county.

Namutamba said the challenge is expected to showcase the splendor of Busoga Kingdom and pave the way for sustainable job opportunities through digital tourism.

She added that Kagulu Rock is a prominent cultural and historic landmark rising approximately 3,600 feet above sea level, which also holds the ancestral origins of the Basoga people, as it is believed that all Basoga originated from this sacred site.

Namutamba added that, over the years, the rock has become an increasingly popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from both Uganda and around the world who seek to experience its breathtaking views and learn about its historic significance.

She acknowledged the invaluable contributions of all Vision Group platforms, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), and Red Cross Jinja, among others, who have joined hands with them to sponsor the celebration of heritage, adventure, and digital tourism.  

Miss Tourism Busoga co-ordinator at the kingdom's tourism ministry Doris Praise Walusimbi said that from August 24-25, attendees will immerse themselves in a kaleidoscope of events including cultural exhibitions, health camp, Miss Tourism Busoga competitions, Miss and Mr. Tik Tok finals and then climbing of the rock.

Walusimbi, who is also the Miss Tourism Busoga 2nd runner, said attractive features were built at the top of Kagulu Rock, which include rest areas and a statue of Prince Mukama Namutukula, the ancestral leader who founded Busoga.

During the briefing, Mutwaluhu Kakaire, a.k.a. Acidic Vokoz, was introduced as the new Busoga Tourism Ambassador and promised to mobilize all artists in the the Busoga region to promote tourism through their music.

Present at the briefing was upcoming musician Nuhuman Talyaka aka Cilcon Avokoz and Busoga’s famous Tik Toker Funnyadd who will be responsible for identifying talent among youth in Busoga and promoting it.