Toro, UWA in tourism dev't partnership

Toro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV has challenged Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to partner with the kingdom to promote tourism in the region.

Oyo made the call at his palace in Munyonyo, Kampala over the weekend during a meeting with the UWA boss, David Seguya.

The meeting was to establish was how best the kingdom and UWA can partner to contribute to Uganda's tourism menu by adding new products and promoting the sector.

The kingdom boasts tourism attractions such as amabere ganyina mwiru, the Rwenzori Mountains, tea plantations and the royal tombs.

Other attractions are the King's palace at Kabarole Hill, Mucwa Chambers, Nyakasura Falls and over 40 crater lakes.

"As a tourist destination we need UWA as partners in marketing this region and grow the sector. Toro is one of the best areas to visit in Uganda and I call upon the people of Toro to embrace tourism," Oyo said.

Toro Kingdom headquarters are located in Fort Portal town, which sits at the foot of Rwenzori Mountains, the third highest peak in Africa.

Oyo challenged the people of Toro to plant forests and conserve the environment which is vital for tourism.

"Forests are habitats for birds, animals but have been destroyed. We need to embark on tree planting," Oyo said.

According to Vision 2040, the municipality is earmarked as tourism city, and the King says the people of Toro should work hard to achieve this.

The kingdom is a gateway to several national parks, including Semuliki, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable, Rwenzori and Toro-Semuliki Wildlife reserves.

Lakes, Albert, George and Edward can also easily be accessed in the kingdom as well as the several rivers that flow from the Rwenzori Mountains.

Seguya hailed the king for promoting tourism in Uganda and promised to partner with the kingdom.

"All we want is tourism to develop in this country. It cannot be done by UWA alone but every Ugandan has a role to play," Seguya said.

Anna Bgaya, the kingdom's tourism minister revealed that Toro is committed to promoting tourism.

She describes Toro as the emerald in the crown of the Pearl of Africa, blessed with beautiful fauna and flora and hospitable people.

"The people of Tooro should thank the Lord for blessing them with ‘heaven on earth' and aim at taking Toro to the world and bringing the world to Toro," says Bagaya.

Oyo has offered land to UWA to set up a wildlife education centre (zoo) in the region.

"The land is in Kyenjojo district, but we have been advised that we get them land in Fort Portal town. We are considering Bukwali or behind Mucwa Complex," says Jonathan Baguma, Oyo's personal secretary.