Alupo calls for investment in eastern region’s heritage sites

Soroti, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Vice President Jessica Alupo has called on private investment in the development of heritage sites in eastern Uganda. While these sites have significant tourism potential, they remain underdeveloped, and Alupo is keen to see this changed through increased private investment.

Speaking at the International Museums Day celebration in Soroti City, Alupo highlighted the government’s efforts to create an enabling legal framework for private investment via the Museums and Monuments Act 2023. She also noted the government’s commitment to tourism infrastructure development, including access roads to these sites.

Alupo emphasized the untapped potential of heritage sites like Wanaale Falls, urging investors to develop facilities such as accommodation, leisure, and sports amenities to attract tourists. She stressed that showcasing Uganda’s cultural heritage through these investments would boost tourism and benefit local communities economically.

The Vice President also advised the Iteso people to preserve Kapir Rock, a site with significant cultural and archaeological value. She highlighted its potential for bird watching, panoramic views, and ancient rock paintings, urging the community to protect it from destruction.

Tom Butime, the Minister for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, echoed Alupo’s sentiments, focusing on the ministry’s commitment to sustainable tourism development. He noted the sector’s potential for job creation and foreign exchange earnings. Butime also mentioned ongoing efforts to ensure tourists extend their stay in Uganda, which would further boost the economy.

Butime announced the construction of a new museum in Moroto to preserve Karamajong cultural heritage, as part of a broader strategy to conserve cultural heritage resources for sustainable tourism from 2023/24 to 2029/30. This aligns with Uganda’s commitment to UNESCO and AU recommendations on the protection and promotion of museums.

During the celebrations, the Soroti Community Museum was launched, marking a significant step in promoting cultural tourism in Uganda’s cities. Butime applauded existing private sector investments in community museums and encouraged further private sector participation, highlighting sites such as Doolwe Island with its unique boulder rocks.

He also acknowledged the contributions of private investments like the Igoongo Cultural Center, Ssemagulu, and the Kalangala Museum, facilitated by the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda, as pivotal to the sector’s growth.

“Given that tourism is mainly a private sector-driven industry, the ministry has so far registered over ten community museums. I, therefore, invite private sector players to partner with the ministry in investing in this sector, particularly in our tourism sites in the eastern region, including Doolwe Island, with a unique scenic view of boulder rocks that are unique to Uganda. Let me thank those that have invested in this sub-sector such as Igoongo Cultural Center, Ssemagulu, Kalangala Museum, and other community museums facilitated by the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda,” he stated.

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