Kyabazinga Nadiope says formalised tourism partnership will revitalise Busoga heritage sites

 
JINJA - Kyabazinga (Busoga king) William Gabula Nadiope IV has called for a formalised partnership between the kingdom and the tourism ministry to unlock the region's vast tourism potential.

Kyabazinga's call was during a high-level courtesy visit by officials from the ministry and the Uganda Hotel Tourism and Training Institute (UHTTI), led by state minister Martin Mugarra Bahinduka. This was at his Igenge palace on February 19, 2026.

During the meeting, Nadiope said that while informal collaborations have existed, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) is essential to streamline efforts in conservation and site promotion. He expressed gratitude for the existing partnership while calling for its formalisation to enhance tourism development in the kingdom.

A legacy of tourism leadership

Reflecting on his connection to the sector, the Kyabazinga said his passion for tourism was inherited.

"In the position where you are today as a state minister, my father held the same position in the early 1990s. I am very much honoured to see you here today. I love tourism a lot," he said.

Unlocking hidden history 

He urged the ministry to look beyond the popular sites and explore the hidden gems of Busoga.

He specifically highlighted a historical site near Bukaleba Forest in Walumbe Village that holds significant history regarding slave trade.

He pointed out the existence of slave caves near the water’s edge, noting that they remain largely unknown and underdeveloped.

The Peninsula

He proposed the reintroduction of wild animals to a local peninsula that once boasted diverse wildlife, suggesting it could become a cornerstone for a new tourism circuit in the region.

Source of the Nile

The King reiterated the kingdom’s desire to see the Source of the Nile receive official recognition from UNESCO.

He also mentioned the progress made on Dolwe Island in Namayingo district, which has already been submitted to UNESCO for consideration.

"We have various tourism sites that we believe, if we work with you hand in hand, we shall be in position to develop them since we are strategically located in Uganda," he noted.

Front: UHTTI's Principal Richard Kawere (3rd left), UTB's CEO Julian Kagwa (5th right), Tourism State Minister Martin Mugarra Bahinduka (4th left), Kyabazinga Affairs Minister Yudaya Babirye (2nd right) and Princes Susan (right) in a group photograph with Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV (5th left) at Igenge Palace in Jinja City on February 19th, 2026. (Credit: Donald Kiirya)

Strengthening partnership

The Kyabazinga lauded Jinja city-based UHTTI, headed by Richard Kawere, for its unwavering support of kingdom activities, including the Kagulu Climbing Challenge and various cultural festivals.

He particularly commended the institute for providing full-board bursaries to students from Busoga, noting that the feedback from beneficiaries has been overwhelmingly positive.

As a neighbour to the institute, Nadiope expressed excitement over the upcoming commissioning of the renovated UHTTI hotel, which he noted has been a landmark in Uganda for decades.

"If we work together, we shall be in a position to bring a lot of prestige and showcase our culture, our heritage, and the various tourism sites within Busoga and Uganda at large," he said.

Bahinduka revealed that Uganda’s tourism sector has achieved its highest performance in history, with annual revenues climbing to $1.7 billion by the end of 2025.

A record-breaking year

According to the minister, the sector saw a sharp rise in international tourist arrivals, growing from 1.3 million visitors in 2024 to 1.65 million in 2025. This surge directly boosted revenues from $1.28 billion to the current record of $1.7 billion.

"We have never achieved these figures since this country was declared a country," Mugarra said.

He added that the sector now employs over 860,000 Ugandans directly and more than 1.5 million indirectly, proving its role as a backbone of the economy.

Massive infrastructure investment

The Minister detailed several multi-billion shilling projects aimed at sustaining this growth, particularly within the Busoga region:

• UHTTI: He said the central government has invested over shillings 70 billion to transform the institute into a world-class centre of excellence, including a new 3-star training hotel ($12 million) and modern hostels.

• Source of the Nile transformation: That a shillings 36 billion project is underway to modernise the site with a glass viewing deck, a modern pier, restaurants, and walkways.

• Regional Connectivity: He said plans are finalised to upgrade the Jinja Airfield to accommodate larger aircraft and increased tourist traffic.

Kyabazinga affairs minister Yudaya Babirye echoed the King's vision, emphasising that tourism is the solution to regional unemployment.

She noted that the kingdom is working with experts to have the River Nile and the Dolwe Islands listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

By integrating the Kingdom into the national tourism framework through the proposed MOU, both parties aim to increase visitor numbers and boost revenue for both the region and the state.

Mugarra was accompanied by Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) CEO Juliana Kagwa and her deputy, ministry tourism director Dr Basil Ajer, Museums and Monuments in Uganda commissioner Jackline Nyiracyiza, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) executive director Dr James Musinguzi, tourism development commissioner Vivian Lyazi and Kawere, among others.

Present officials from Busoga Kingdom included permanent secretary Sajjabi Godfrey Samanya, Yudaya, KI’s manager growth Samuel Niiwo, KI’s operations manager Julius Kalugu Omusiginyi and Princess Susan.