Nandala pledges sustainable tourism funding during fort portal campaign

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Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate James Nathan Nandala Mafabi has pledged increased and sustainable funding for tourism as he campaigned in Fort Portal City, one of Uganda’s leading tourism destinations, promising to unlock the sector’s potential through improved infrastructure, better services and stronger support to local governments.

Fort Portal, widely regarded as Uganda’s tourism gateway to the Rwenzori region, boasts a rich blend of natural and cultural attractions, including the Amabere Caves, the Tooro Kingdom Palace and the nearby Kibale Forest National Park, which is internationally known for chimpanzee tracking. Despite this potential, Nandala said the city and its surrounding areas have not fully benefited from tourism revenues.

Addressing supporters on December 2, Nandala said an FDC-led government would prioritise tourism as a key driver of economic growth and job creation, particularly for youth and women.

“Tourism should be putting money directly into people’s pockets here in Fort Portal. But without deliberate investment, the sector cannot grow,” Nandala said.

He promised sustainable and predictable funding for tourism development, including improved access roads to tourist sites, better maintenance of cultural and natural heritage areas, and incentives to encourage private investment.

Nandala also pledged to reduce the tax burden on tourism-related businesses, arguing that high taxes on accommodation facilities, tour operators and hospitality services have discouraged growth and pushed some operators out of business.

“If we lower taxes and support operators, tourism becomes competitive, affordable and more attractive to both local and international visitors,” he said.

Beyond tourism, Nandala said his government would increase funding to cities, municipalities and local governments, enabling them to plan and develop according to their unique economic strengths. He said Fort Portal, with its tourism advantage, should be supported to grow as a regional service and hospitality hub.

“We must fund cities properly and allow local leaders to drive development. When you empower local governments, development becomes faster and more relevant to the people,” he said.

Nandala also reiterated his commitment to improving health and education services, saying strong social services are essential to support tourism and overall economic development. He argued that a healthy and skilled population is critical to delivering quality services to visitors and sustaining local growth.

On marketing, the FDC presidential candidate promised stronger promotion of Uganda’s tourism products, including domestic tourism, through regional and international campaigns that showcase destinations such as Fort Portal.

“We must market Uganda aggressively. Tourism markets do not come by accident; they are created,” he said.

Residents and tourism stakeholders in Fort Portal have long called for better infrastructure, reliable services and stronger promotion to fully harness the city’s tourism potential. Many believe that with proper investment, tourism could significantly reduce unemployment and increase household incomes in the region.

Nandala urged residents to support a leadership that prioritises local economies, sustainable tourism and inclusive development as Uganda approaches its general elections.