By Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi has accused the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government of neglecting tourism potential in the Kigezi sub-region, saying the failure has denied local communities jobs and income.
Addressing residents in Muko Sub-county in Rubanda District, as well as Nyanamo, Butengo, and Rubuguri areas in Kisoro District and Kisoro Municipality, Nandala said the poor state of infrastructure around key tourist attractions was a major setback to the region’s development.
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He cited deteriorated roads leading to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and the Virunga Volcanoes, alongside what he described as a shortage of affordable and attractive accommodation facilities for visitors.
“The government has ignored Kigezi’s tourism potential. This is neglect of the highest order,” Nandala told residents, arguing that local communities should have benefited directly from tourism investments.
Nandala contrasted the situation in Kigezi with government support extended to private investors in Kampala, saying funds should have been channelled to residents to develop accommodation facilities and tourism services. He claimed the lack of such support has pushed many tourists to opt for neighbouring Rwanda instead of Uganda.
The FDC flag bearer said continued neglect, coupled with what he termed theft of public funds, has stalled growth in the sub-region despite its rich natural endowments.
He urged voters in Kigezi to support his presidential bid, promising wide-ranging reforms within two years if elected. His pledges include job creation, improved road infrastructure, better social services, and deliberate investment in tourism development.
Nandala said Kigezi’s tourism resources should be a source of prosperity rather than poverty, stressing that targeted infrastructure development would create employment and increase household incomes across the region.
He also promised to improve access to healthcare and education, arguing that sustainable tourism growth must go hand in hand with better social services for local communities.
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