Wakiso, an untapped tourism gem

By Titus Kakembo

Wakiso district has a variety of tourism attractions that remain untapped, according to the deputy CEO of Uganda Tourist Board (UTB), John Sempebwa.

Besides having the headquarters for most Buganda clans, it boasts faith tourist attractions like the home of Mukajanga who set the martyrs ablaze in Namugongo, beaches, birds and historical war sites.

As such, Sempebwa challenged the district leadership to aggressively market the wealth of attractions in their midst.

“Do you know how much Mecca gets from people going to hurl stones at the devil?

He added: “We should have a monument or an effigy of Mukajanga erected at his home and put stones to be hurled at him for a fee. Each stone would cost between sh1000 and sh5000. Imagine how much revenue Wakiso would make from ardent Catholics or Christians at large.”

According to the UTB official, Wakiso has the potential of reaping big in domestic tourism.

“If each month one of the Buganda clans with its headquarters here had a carnival here, how much money would be made by food vendors, artifacts dealers and other service providers?”
 

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Sempebwa urged the district leaders to have trained tour guides, hotels that measure to the required standards and literature about the destinations in their midst.

“Mamba swamp is popular for bird watching,” he went on, “This is in addition to another 400 bird species including migrants from Europe when it is winter in Europe. They camp in Lutembe beach. This year we are having a bird expo. Is Wakiso ready to reap from it?”

Talking about the menu of attractions in Wakiso, Sempebwa mentioned Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC), beaches on the shores of Lake Victoria, Namugongo Shrines, Kasubi Tombs, Legendary Kibuka Omumbale and  Kabaka Wamala’s Palace.

“Okwanjula [introduction ceremony] is such a dramatic event that many a tourist would like to experience. Cuisines like the luwombo [steamed sauce] and enyama enkalilire [roasted meat] would leave many adventurous dinners’ taste buds yearning for more.”
 

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Baganda women are traditionally expected to be submissive to the men. (Credit: Titus Kakembo)

In response the Wakiso Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Iga Danson said they have not been sitting on their laurels and are braced for the challenge to promote Wakiso as a tourist destination.

“This is an eye opener, given our proximity to Kampala city,” said Iga. “We want to spur economic activity. Boost bird watching and introduce Home Stays like those in Bombo. These will create jobs for youths and spur economic activity.”

Contrary to expectations going by the UTB guidelines of hotel standards, currently it is only six out of every ten hotels that qualify to legally operate business.

According to Robert Mpakibi, who is the Wakiso District Commercial Officer, their activities are crippled

“This is not enough to promote nature, cultural, heritage and wildlife tourism. We have constituted a tourism development committee which is closely working with the Buganda government. We have also identified the attractions.”

The onus is upon the district to improve on the craft markets since Wakiso is on the routes to various tourist attractions in the country.