Kikorongo Equator point to boost tourism in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Unlike the North and South Poles, the Equator experiences nearly equal hours of daylight throughout the year, creating a stable tropical climate characterised by lush vegetation, rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems.
Tourists watch as a game ranger demonstrates how water spins in a bowl from different hemispheres. (Photo by Titus Kakembo)
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Despite a decline in tourist arrivals to Queen Elizabeth National Park due to global health and security concerns, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is investing in new tourism products aimed at revitalising the sector and boosting community livelihoods.
Tourist arrivals at the park have dropped from 140,000 visitors during the same period last year to 106,000 this year. The decline has largely been attributed to international events, including conflicts in the Middle East and the Ebola outbreak in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, which have affected travel to the region.
Even amid these challenges, UWA has earmarked sh2.1billion for community projects around the park under its revenue-sharing programme.
UWA Executive Director James Musinguzi said the funds represent part of the 20% of park gate collections that are returned to communities living adjacent to protected areas.
"In the past, we have faced accountability challenges with some local governments. When we ask for accountability, some fail to provide it," Musinguzi said.
He explained that the funds have supported the construction and furnishing of health centres, schools and community access roads.
The remarks were made during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kikorongo Equator Point tourism project in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The Commissioner for Museums and Monuments in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Jackline Besigye, said the new attraction is being developed with technical support from the government of Ecuador experts who have experience in developing a similar solar museum.
She explained that the Equator is an imaginary line that circles the Earth at 0° latitude, dividing the planet into the Northern and Southern hemispheres.
"It is the longest circle of latitude on Earth, stretching approximately 40,075 kilometres around the globe," Besigye said.
Unlike the North and South Poles, the Equator experiences nearly equal hours of daylight throughout the year, creating a stable tropical climate characterised by lush vegetation, rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems.
Known locally as Kikutuzi in Buganda, the Equator has both scientific and cultural significance. Globally, it passes through 13 countries and famous landmarks, including the Galápagos Islands and the Amazon rainforest, making Equator visits an increasingly popular bucket-list experience for travellers.
"For many years, Uganda's tourism has largely been nature-based. This development will broaden our range of attractions. Besides the Equator monument, the site will include an information centre and a museum," Butime said.
Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Tom Butime during the ground-breaking of the Kikorongo Equator Point expansion. (Photo by Titus Kakembo)
He noted that the facility is expected to encourage tourists to spend more time in the area, creating opportunities for local communities to earn income through the sale of crafts, cultural performances, tour guiding and other tourism-related services.
Kikorongo LC I Chairperson Donika Kule welcomed the government's investment but appealed for additional support to enable residents to fully benefit from the emerging opportunities.
"We appreciate this tourism project, but the government should also equip us with capital and skills so that we can actively participate in the tourism value chain," Kule said.
Summing up that, the community risks remaining mere spectators as opportunities unfold in their own community. They are yet to be taught that bird watching can earn them money besides selling their own culture, which they take for granted.
The Kwed Contractors were cautioned by the Minister Butime about building a shoddy viewing deck and not beating the deadline.