FDC’s Nandala targets Kisoro Airfield upgrade to unlock Kigezi tourism
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate's campaign rallies in Kigezi have focused on the sub-region's vast tourism potential, which he claims has been neglected for decades, costing the region jobs, income and prosperity.
FDC presidential candidate James Nathan Nandala Mafabi speaking to his supporters in Kisoro. (Photos by Alfred Ochwo)
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If elected the next president of Uganda in 2026, James Nathan Nandala Mafabi says he will upgrade Kisoro Airfield in the western district of Kisoro to an international airport, as well as overhaul road infrastructure to attract more international visitors.
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate's campaign rallies in Kigezi have focused on the sub-region's vast tourism potential, which he claims has been neglected for decades, costing the region jobs, income and prosperity.
Often referred to as the Switzerland of Africa, Kigezi is renowned for its rolling terraced hills, cool climate and rich biodiversity.
The region is home to half the world's mountain gorillas that roam the misty environs of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage.
Other tourist attractions include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the scenic Lake Bunyonyi, Africa's second-deepest lake.
Nandala pointed to the potential of Bwindi, Mgahinga, which offers gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking and hiking of the Virunga volcanoes; and Echuya Forest Reserve, a haven for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.
However, his argument is that poor infrastructure continues to keep tourists away.
'World doesn’t know'
The FDC frontrunner told journalists in Kisoro that upgrading Kisoro Airfield to international status would open up the region to high-value tourists who currently opt for neighbouring Rwanda due to easier access and better facilities.
He said that improved air connectivity would cut travel time to gorilla trekking destinations and stimulate investment in hotels, transport and local businesses.
“Rwanda has better accommodation than us and good public relations for their tourism sites. We need to market the beauty of this country. We have the best sites in Africa, that’s why we are called the Pearl, but the world doesn’t know. Rwanda is making more money from tourism because they developed their roads, adverts and infrastructure."
Away from the skies, Nandala sharply criticised the state of roads leading to major tourism sites in Kigezi, describing the situation as neglect of the highest order.
He cited poor roads to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and surrounding attractions, which he said discourage tourists and raise the cost of doing business for local communities.
He told a rally in Rubanda district that an FDC government would prioritise road rehabilitation, electricity extension and water supply as part of a broader tourism development strategy.
Nandala faulted the government for concentrating tourism investment in a few elite projects while leaving local communities behind.
He argued that just as government supported private investors to develop high-end facilities like Munyonyo, similar financial support should have been extended to local people in tourism regions to improve accommodation standards and affordability.
“If locals were supported to upgrade their facilities, tourists would stay longer and spend more money here. Many visitors currently cross to Rwanda because of better lodging, services and marketing."
He urged voters in Kigezi, traditionally an NRM bastion, to give him a chance, promising visible change within two years of taking office.
In the 2021 general election, then-FDC presidential candidate Patrick Oboi Amuriat garnered only 701 votes in Kisoro against President Yoweri Museveni’s 98,694.
