While Uganda’s tourism sector boasts significant economic contributions, particularly in terms of GDP and employment, the communities residing around tourism sites in Kigezi Sub-region have long grappled with persistent poverty and underdevelopment. Despite being home to renowned attractions such as Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks, local residents have yet to reap the benefits of tourism in their midst.
According to the Uganda Tourism Satellite Account (UTSA) 2023, tourism employs approximately 1.6 million people, with a notable majority being females. However, the reality on the ground in Kigezi Sub-region paints a starkly different picture, with residents feeling marginalized and neglected by government policies.
5 Days trip to Bwindi
Bwindi
Gorilla Treking (4 Trips)
Chimpanzee Trekking (2 Trips)
Wildlife Safaris (5 Trips)
Bird Watching (4 Trips)
Car Hire & Transport (5 Trips)
Cultural & Religious Tours (3 Trips)
Mr. Abel Bizimana, the Chairman of Kisoro District, sheds light on the pressing need for a deliberate government intervention to uplift communities living adjacent to tourism hotspots. Despite the revenue-sharing funds allocated to the district, residents continue to face challenges such as crop destruction by wild animals and inadequate infrastructure.
Proposing a solution, Mr. Bizimana advocates for a substantial portion of the revenue generated from gorilla trekking permits to be reinvested into infrastructure development, including road tarmacking and the establishment of essential facilities like schools and health centers. Such initiatives, he argues, would not only benefit the local community but also enhance the tourism experience for visitors and bolster the operations of tour operators.
The plight of residents is further compounded by poor infrastructure, as highlighted by Mr. Ivan Mbabazi Batuma, Chairman of the Kigezi Tour Cluster. The absence of basic amenities like electricity, water, and internet connectivity hampers the ability of tourism investors to provide quality services, thus stunting the sector’s growth potential.
Responding to these concerns, Mr. Nelson Guma, Conservation Manager for Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks, assures that government plans for tourism road construction are underway. He acknowledges the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on infrastructure development but remains optimistic about future improvements as tourist numbers rebound.
Echoing this sentiment, the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Mr. Tom Butime, emphasizes the significance of tourism in Uganda’s economic landscape. With inbound tourists contributing billions to the economy, there exists immense potential for further growth through infrastructure enhancements and policy reforms.
As stakeholders collaborate to address the systemic challenges facing Kigezi Sub-region, it is imperative that the voices of local communities are heard and their needs prioritized. By fostering inclusive development and equitable distribution of tourism benefits, Uganda can unlock the full potential of its rich natural heritage while uplifting the lives of those who call these pristine landscapes home.
