Sh5b Kitagata Hot Springs project stalls as residents demand answers
The residents say the project, which was expected to transform the area into a major tourism destination, has dragged on for years, leaving the site incomplete and businesses that depend on visitors struggling to survive.
Incomplete structures that were found at the Kitagata Royal hot springs. This was during Balaam Barugahara, the Minister of Local Government’s visit to the site in Kitagata town council Sheema district on November 7, 2026. (Photos by Lawrence Mulondo)
________________
Residents of Sheema district are demanding answers over delays in the construction of the sh5b Kitagata Royal Hot Springs tourism project, warning that the stalled works are denying the community business opportunities, jobs and revenue.
The residents say the project, which was expected to transform the area into a major tourism destination, has dragged on for years, leaving the site incomplete and businesses that depend on visitors struggling to survive.
Residents of Sheema district showing Balaam Barugahara, the Minister of Local Government at the Kitagata Royal hot springs construction site that they say has stalled for long. This was during the minister’s visit to the district during the Expose the Corrupt campaign on November 7, 2026.
Kitagata Hot Springs, located in Kitagata town council, Sheema district, comprises two adjacent natural springs: the Royal King's Spring, locally known as Ekyomugabe, and Mulago Spring, which is traditionally reserved for ordinary members of the public.
While Mulago Spring remains operational, the King's Spring was closed to pave the way for government-funded construction under the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.
During a visit to the district on November 7, 2026, as part of the anti-corruption campaign dubbed Expose the Corrupt, local government minister Balaam Barugahara heard complaints from residents that construction had taken more than three years, despite the project initially being scheduled for completion within two years.
Residents also raised concerns about the partial blockage of the water channels, saying stagnant water was producing an unpleasant smell and making the area uncomfortable.
Following the complaints, Barugahara visited the site, where he found construction works halted, leaving residents demanding an explanation for the delay.
The sh5 billion project, awarded to Strucon Limited in 2019, was expected to be completed within two years. However, the contractor says unforeseen technical challenges and delays in government funding have affected implementation.
Kitagata town council mayor Laban Muhabwe told the minister that Mulago Spring continues to operate, generating about sh4m in monthly revenue for the council.
He said completing the King's Spring would significantly increase tourist numbers, particularly international visitors, thereby expanding the revenue base of both the town council and the district.
“Once the Royal Hot Springs is completed, we expect it to attract international tourists who will bring in more revenue for the council and the district at large,” Muhabwe said.
He, however, noted that although the Ministry of Tourism was supervising the project, local leaders had not been adequately involved in its implementation and were largely waiting for the completed facility to be handed over.
A photo of the artistic impression of how the Kitagata Royal hot springs will look like when construction is completed.
Sheema district woman MP Adrine Katusiime Mwebesa said residents were proud of the natural attraction but concerned that delays were preventing them from benefiting economically.
She said the completed facility would position Sheema as an important tourism destination, attracting foreign visitors and creating business opportunities for local communities.
In an interview with New Vision, Charles Obaro, the project engineer representing Strucon Limited, attributed the delays to irregular government funding and additional technical investigations.
“The Ministry of Energy does not want us to position the hot pools directly above the underground reservoirs. We therefore had to halt construction of the third phase as we waited for technical guidance, which was provided two weeks ago. A design review is now being undertaken,” Obaro said.
He added that the Ministry of Works was also expected to provide technical specifications to guide the remaining construction works.
According to Obaro, the contract is worth sh5b, of which approximately sh2.5b has so far been spent.
Govt promises intervention
Barugahara said he would engage the tourism minister Tom Butime, to establish how the outstanding works could be accelerated.
“I will speak to the Minister of Tourism, Tom Butime, to see how fast we can fast-track this project so that it becomes economically viable and of economic importance to our people,” he said.
He described the site as an important historical and tourism attraction, noting that, according to local historical accounts, the King's Spring was traditionally used by the Omugabe, the king of Ankole.
About the hot springs
Ekyomugabe, or the King's Spring, was historically reserved for the Omugabe of Ankole. Its water is considerably hotter, reaching temperatures of about 80 degrees Celsius, making it unsuitable for ordinary bathing.
Mulago Spring, on the other hand, is popular among residents and visitors seeking natural bathing experiences. Locals reportedly named it after Mulago National Referral Hospital because of its popularity among people seeking relief from various ailments.
Residents and local leaders say completing the Royal Spring is critical to unlocking the area's tourism potential. However, with billions of shillings already committed and half the project budget reportedly spent, questions remain about when the community will begin enjoying the promised benefits.