The Kagulu hill climbing challenge for health outreach

By Esther Namirimu

Buyende- Kagulu hill climbing competition the first of its kind will be held at Kagulu hill in Buyende district for health outreach and Busoga Tourism Initiative.
 
The competition is intended to bring basic health services closer to the local community of Kagulu

The activities will include AIDS/HIV testing and counseling, dental screening and treatment, child de-worming, and basic personal hygiene.

According to the coordinator of the event, Edward Baliddawa, Member of Parliament Kigulu County North, the Kagulu hill climbing competition is also aimed at celebrating cultural heritage, discovering natural endowment, and exploiting potential for sustainable socio-economic transformation.

Baliddawa also said that competition is a follow up activity of the Busoga Tourism Expo that was held in December last year (2012) in Jinja.

“This fun filled first ever activity in Busoga, have been categorized into three areas; competitors, non-competitors, and students,” he added.
 
This initiative works closely with Diasporians to encourage international tourism to the region and inject the needed dollars necessary to rejuvenate the region.
     
Twegaite International organization, headed by Engineer Andrew Mwase, with headquarters in Boston Massachusetts USA is coordinating this Diaspora effort.
 
Twegaite will celebrate these achievements at their annual convention in Los Angeles California May 23rd –27th. Fortunately Busoga has so many tourist attractions that can be promoted in the West and has been deemed the top tourist destination in Uganda as well as rich cultural region.
 
Baliddawa noted that as a result of the enthusiasm generated by the expo and the desire exhibited by the participants, the organizers of the Expo resolved to organize an activity around Kagulu hill one of the three sites that were marked to be developed into viable tourism sites in the year 2012.

He also said it is expected that H.E the president of Uganda Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will grace the occasion. Other dignitaries expected to attend will include the Rt. Hon speaker of parliament Rebecca Alitalia Kadaga, ministers, MPs, district leaders, and participants from Universities, schools and other regions.

Baliddawa also added that funds that will be generated out of this event will be channeled to Busoga Tourism initiative to develop the necessary infrastructure and promote the site as well as fund locals to provide required services.

The rock climbing challenge for both adults and students is scheduled to take place between; 10 - 12 May, 2013 at Kagulu Hill, Buyende district.

Kagulu Hill is located in Buyende District some 30Km from Kamuli Town. The hill rises at approximately 3,500ft above sea level. Since 2003, many people especially foreigners have been enjoying rock climbing at Kagulu Hill.