'Sleeping giant': FDC's Nandala presents his tourism plan for Kigezi

KANUNGU - Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate James Nathan Nandala has promised to overhaul Uganda’s tourism sector and harness Kigezi sub-region’s vast natural and cultural wealth to create jobs and raise household incomes.

At a Friday evening rally in Nyamirama Town Council in Kanungu district, he described tourism as a sleeping giant which, if properly supported, could transform livelihoods across Kigezi.

Often referred to as the Switzerland of Africa, Kigezi is renowned for its rolling terraced hills, cool climate and rich biodiversity.

The region is home to half the world's mountain gorillas that roam the misty environs of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage.

Other tourist attractions include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the scenic Lake Bunyonyi, Africa's second-deepest lake.

“This region has everything from fertile land, beautiful scenery, wildlife and a hardworking population, but the people are not benefiting," said Nandala.

"Tourism should lift communities out of poverty, not just earn foreign exchange figures that do not reach ordinary Ugandans."

The first-time presidential candidate said tourism thrives on diversity and that Uganda, located in a global biodiversity hotspot, has a rare blend of cultures, landscapes and wildlife that few countries can match.

However, he argued, the sector remains underdeveloped and poorly marketed, often disrupted by disease outbreaks.

He criticised what he described as chronic underfunding of tourism promotion, citing the five billion shillings allocation to the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) in the 2024/2025 financial year as inadequate.

“There is little exploration and marketing of our rich culture, wildlife and physical features. We are leaving very little for tourists to see and experience because we are not investing enough."

As part of FDC’s tourism agenda, Nandala pledged to significantly increase investment in marketing Uganda’s attractions, with emphasis on niche products such as birding, mountain climbing and adventure tourism, including the Rwenzori Mountains and the Margherita Peak.

He also promised to strengthen collaboration within the East African Community to jointly market the region as a single, attractive tourist destination.

'Reap peanuts'

Nandala said his government would work closely with international airline operators flying out of Entebbe International Airport to promote Uganda abroad and attract new visitors.

He further pledged to prioritise local investors when granting concessions to build hotels and lodges in protected areas such as national parks, arguing that communities should be the primary beneficiaries of tourism resources in their areas.

“We shall also invest in the creation of new tourism products for both local and international tourists,” said the FDC frontrunner, adding that cultural tourism, eco-tourism and domestic travel had been largely neglected.

He pointed to the potential of Bwindi, Mgahinga, which offers gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking and hiking of the Virunga volcanoes; and Echuya Forest Reserve, a haven for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.

He also highlighted crater lakes such as Bunyonyi and Mutanda, as well as the Batwa cultural experience, as underutilised assets.

Beyond tourism, Nandala linked sector growth to broader economic reforms. He promised to prioritise job creation and value addition, arguing that Kigezi’s wealth in tea, coffee and tourism had failed to translate into improved household incomes.

“It is unacceptable that Ugandans work so hard and reap peanuts. This region is rich, but the people remain poor because government policies do not favour them."

Nandala promised to build at least 200 kilometres of standard roads in each district to improve access to tourism sites and markets, establish agro-processing industries to absorb farm produce, and support small and medium enterprises with affordable credit.

He also promised improved health and education services, alongside a monthly stipend of 60,000 shillings for citizens above 65 years.

“Our farmers should not sell raw produce while others make profits elsewhere. We shall process our tea and coffee here, create jobs for our children and ensure that services reach the people."

On Saturday, the FDC presidential candidate would continue his Kigezi tour with campaign stops in Kabale and Kisoro districts, where tourism, particularly gorilla trekking and cross-border travel, remains central to the local economy.