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Busoga Expo Report
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My Busoga, My Heritage, My Uganda
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There are a number of efforts that have been made to try and find ways of intervening in Busogas plight, but there is no compelling initiative like this one of promoting Busogas tourism potential that is galvanizing for the people of Busoga. I am therefore, very pleased that the Busoga Expo received such tremendous support and enthusiasm from all parts and leaders of Busoga. The Expo whose objective was to show case our cultural heritage and natural endowment was the first of its kind in Busoga and we look forward to the 2nd edition of the expo which will be held in December this year. I would like to take this opportunity to profoundly thank H.E the President of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Museveni for his magnanimous contribution financially that enabled us to hold this event. Besides this contribution, his personal attendance and commitment to our effort was a clear manifestation of the NRMs government to improve on the lives of the people of Busoga through supporting wealth generating initiatives such as this one we are championing. Lastly, I want to thank all those who contributed both financially and in kind to the success of this event. Our resolute to play our part has just been energized by the encouraging feedback we continue to receive from you about the event.
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Acknowledgement:
Busoga Parliamentary Group under the Chairmanship of the Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the Organizing Committee of Busoga Tourism Expo 2012 under the Chairmanship of Hon. Edward Baliddawa Kafufu, would like to graciously appreciate H.E. the President of Uganda, Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his unreserved and enthusiastic support both in conceptual design and financing this important milestone in Busogas quest for socio-economic transformation. We would like to extend our profound gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), Presidential Tourism Initiative (PRESTO), the Uganda Tourist Association (UTA), the District leadership of all the 10 districts of Busoga, but particularly we want to thank the leadership of Jinja District and Jinja Municipal Council, the host for the 2012 Busoga Expo for their support and cooperation in making this event possible. Our acknowledgement cannot be complete without mentioning those generous contributions that were made which made this function possible; - Madhvani Group of Companies - Nile Breweries - Mr. Sudhir Ruparelia - Mr. Patrick Bitature - Hajji Bulaimu Muwanga Kibirige (BMK) - Airtel Limited - Government Chief Whip, Hon. Kasule Lumumba - Jomayi Properties - Baba FM Radio The Busoga Expo will be an annual event and we believe that the 2013 Busoga Tourism Expo will be much better in quality, quantity and diversity, as the Chinese saying goes, Even a thousand mile journey begins with one step.
BMK Group
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My Busoga, My Heritage, My Uganda
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Introduction
Cognizant of the increasing economic significance of tourism in its overall contribution to the national GDP, and aware of the direct trickledown effect that tourism can bring to the communities where the tourist visit, the Busoga Parliamentary Group has started an initiative to promote tourism in Busoga. Busoga has so many interesting and various potential tourist sites, but which are not developed and not known to both those in and outside Busoga. The most interesting thing is that in Busoga, the most would-be potential tourist sites are intertwined with culture and traditional heritage. Thus, you cant divorce culture from tourism in Busoga. Indeed most of the potential tourist sites are located or are part of the cultural sites that are spread all over the different cultural chiefdoms of Busoga. It is because of this cultural set up that we decided to involve the cultural hereditary chiefs in our initiative to promote tourism in Busoga. Realizing the fact that in order to have a quick impact, we needed to popularize those already known areas of potential tourism importance, we decided to have an expo in which we would be able to show case what is available in place. This idea evolved into what now we are presenting to you as Busoga tourism Expo 2012.
Activities Included:
Exhibitions by various stakeholders who show-cased our culture, traditional heritage and Busogas long journey to date, a case for Busogas potential for social- economic transformation. A group trip to some of the cultural- historical and potential tourism sites in Busoga was done to enable us get acquainted with what we have as a region and launch of Busoga Tourism Circuit. Presentations by the tourism industry players to enlighten us on the status of the tourism sector and the potential competitiveness for Busoga. Group discussions were done to generate consensus on the various interventions necessary to enable the region take full advantage of its endowment and tourism potential.
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Workshop:
A workshop was organized which attracted many people including not only the stakeholders in the tourism industry in Busoga, but also tourism enthusiasts in the area and local leaders. There were several guest speakers at the workshop including the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Maria Mutagamba who highlighted the strategic role of tourism sector in the economic social transformation drive for Uganda.
Clockwise: The Minister of Tourism Hon. Maria Mutagamba addressing the workshop, Minister admiring crafts at the exhibition.
Other speakers included, Prof. Wasswa Balunywa of MUBS who gave a Key note speech, Dr. Peter Ngatigize from Ministry of Finance who gave the Banyakigezi case, Mr. Amos Wekesa of Great Lakes Safaris who passionately lobbied for Basoga involvement in the tourism economy.
Left to Right: Professor Wasswa Balunywa giving a keynote speech, Hadji Tezikuba the Presidential Advisor on Business and Trade shares a light moment with Mr. Amos Wekesa the chairman of Uganda Tourist Association during the workshop
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The theme of the workshop My Busoga, My Heritage, My Uganda can be categories in the following segments To identify potential tourism sites in Busoga Assess the status these sites are in Suggest possible interventions needed Identify the relevant responsible organ/s to innerve Attach a time frame in which a specific intervention is expected to be carried out. Here below is a table matrix that reflects the discussions that were held in the workshop. However, it must be pointed out that due to the changes in the programme that were necessary, discussions were not complete.
STATUS
Steps spoilt, handrail stolen Power house vandalized Broadcasting house vandalized and all infrastructure stolen Not demarcated or marked
INTERVENTION
1.Improve on the steps and replace hand rails 2.Improve on access road 3.Provide electricity 4.Need for reception and accommodation facility 5.Need for demarcation of land around the hill
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE
1.Improve on the steps and replace hand rails 2.Improve on access road 3.Provide electricity 4.Need for reception and accommodation facility 5.Need for demarcation of land around the hill
TIME FRAME
District UNRA Government Public sector
Not gazetted
1.Gazette it 2.Improve on the Church and other structures at the site. 3.Improve on the access road 4.Rural electrification
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Government
3. Nhenda Hill 1.No sign post 2.No land title. 3.Need to improve on access road 1.Setup sign posts 2.Acquire land title. 3.Improve on access road(s) District District
4.
Itanda falls
1.Little publicity
1.Poor access road 2.No power 3.Sign post 4.No accommodation facilities
Public sector
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General Observation:
From the discussions that were held and the feedback from the people who participated in the Expo, we can make the following observations about the areas that need to be embarked on in order to move the initiative forward. Establish a Cultural Museum for preservation of artifacts. Establish a tourism information centre Need to design a tourism map for Busoga Promote Kisoga music, dance and drama Establish a Wild life Education Centre in Busoga Sensitization of the public on the importance of tourism and the tourism circuit. Need for Ministry of Tourism to help in developing and marketing the Busoga Tourism circuit Need for Ministry of Tourism to assist in gazeting the Bukaleba Peninsular into a game reserve Need to lobby for funding to do more cultural research on Busogas sites and their significance Need to start early on the planing for the next expo edition.
Top Left: Participants get a briefing at Kyando in Mayugwe. Top Right: The group at Iyingo cultral shrine. Bottom: Group heading to Iyingo cave
www.busogatourism.com The enthusiasm generated by this on spot visit was enormous that there has erupted tremendous interest in promoting tourism within Busoga. There was also an awakening call within the communities where these sites are located about the real potential of those sites contrary to the resignation attitude that had been prevailing over years.
Top: Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga reading through a cultural registry in one of the Royal huts at the Expo. Right: She admires some of the products from the chiefdom of Gabula of Bugabula
Later, the Speaker addressed the gathering and explained to the people of Busoga the genesis of the expo and its objectives. She urged government through the Ministry of Tourism to continue supporting this effort so that Busoga as a region can start taking full benefit of its both cultural heritage and tourism potential.
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H.E. The President acompanied by his wife Mama Janet, the Rt. Hon. Deputy Speaker Jacob Olanya and Maria Mutagamba Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities
The President too, inspected the stalls of exhibitors and the cultural village of the traditional leaders of Busoga. During this inspection, the President was able to chat and exchange views with the various traditional chiefs that were manning the huts.
H.E. The President receiving a Kyanzi as a gift from the Omulangila of Bulamogi
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He later addressed the gathering in which he hailed the organizers of the event headed by the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament to have initiating this drive to promote tourism in Busoga. The President pledged his support even for the Expo 2013. He also instructed the Minister of Tourism to embark immediately on the process of gazeting the Bukaleba Peninsular as a game reserve as had been requested by Chief Luba of Bunya.
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Disclaimer: The above list does not in any way give an exhaustive catalogue of Busogas tourism potential sites, however, we do promise that we shall continue gathering and researching on many more that we may not know of as yet and these will be added and improved on for the next expo in 2013.
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Way Forward:
All in all, the Expo was successful in that it achieved its intended objectives. Thus this success can be categories in the following area: At the expo we saw an opportunity and a possible window of reconciliation among the 11 traditional leaders. Inspite of the seemingly latent mistrust that has characterized the institution of ObwaKyabazinga for many years now since the demise of Isebantu Wako Muloki, at the expo, we saw a rather different and positive atmosphere. Therefore, the expo provided an opportunity for politicians and the traditional leaders to work together on a uniting objective of developing Busoga. There was enthusiasm and desire shown by the people of Busoga for unity among all actors in order to promote those initiatives that seek to address the unfortunate poverty plight that Busoga as a region is faced with currently. Therefore, it became evident that the initiative to promote tourism in Busoga can be a fulcrum for rallying the people of Busoga together for development. Therefore, as a way forward for this initiative, there is need to devise a strategy of keeping the interest that was shown at the expo burning. Thus, the recommendations, proposals and observations that were made during the expo need to be carried forward and synthesized in action plan for future annual expos. Thus, in order to be able to have an embracing strategic thinking forum where ideas about moving forward the tourism drive effort in Busoga, it has been decided that a Special Purpose Vehicle organ called the Busoga Tourism Initiative be set up. The objective of this organ will be to brainstorm, assess and lay ground work for any initiative that will seek to promote tourism in Busoga. Some of the immediate areas that Busoga Tourism Initiative is going to work on are the three sites that of Kyando, Bukaleba and Kagulu that were indentified in the expo as those that can be considered for immediate intervention. Therefore, as we look forward to the next expo slated for December 2013, BTI will working with the relevant authorities of government to ensure that the Bukaleba Peninsular is gazette as a Game Reserve as directed by the H.E, the President of Uganda in his address at the Expo. Secondly, BTI will seek to design some activities that will continue to attract people to visit both Kagulu Hill and Kyando sites. These activities should be ongoing as all avenues are explored for funding for the development of these sites. In order to have a coordinated and well scheduled approach, a Busoga Tourism Initiative Work Plan is going to b developed that will guide and inform its future activities.
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www.busogatourism.com In order to tackle the immediate task ahead of moving the ideas that were generated in the expo ahead, there is need to constitute the BTI immediately so that the processing through of those ideas can commence. For this purpose here below is a list of names suggested to constitute the initial board of BTI. 1. Mr. Roni Madhvani Business Development Expert 2. Eng. Patrick Batumbya Private Construction Consultant 3. Mr. Moses Zikusooka Private Media Consultant 4. Fr. Gonza Kayaga - Jinja Cultural Research Center 5. Eng. Andrew Mwase - President of Basoga Twegaitte - Diaspora USA 6. Edward Baliddawa Member of Parliament & Chairperson of Busoga Expo 7. Ms. Joyce Abaliwano MUBS 8. Eng. Miriam Wambuzi Kawuma Former Management Engineer with UTL 9. Mr. Gideon Badagawa - Executive Director of PSF 10. Mr. Kasisa Fred - Headmaster Iganga Boys Primary School 11. Mr. Zaake Kibedi - Ambassador Appointee to Scandinavia. 12. Mrs. Sarah Bagalaaliwo Former Member of EALA 13. Mr. Charles Mbalyohere Management Consultant - Diaspora UK 14. Eng. John Mbadhwe Construction Engineer Since the membership of BTI is spread all over the globe, discussions will majorly online and sythenzised by the Secretariat.
This activity is scheduled for 10th 12th May 2013. Milestones in this activity will include the following:Sensitizing the local community Mapping and marking the activity site at Kagulu Hill Bush clearing around the hill Assess availability of accommodation in Kamuli Develop a budget for the challenge Designing Publicity material such as Web Site, Brochures, Registration Forms, Sponsorship forms Designing of publicity adverts for radio, tv, billboards and banners Hire agency to market the challenge and solicit for corporate sponsorships Identify and coordinate involvement of Health Outreach actors Identify transporters from Kampala and Jinja Identify suppliers of tents in Jinja Indentify suppliers of meals in Kamuli Engage with the Scouts Identify entertainment group Identify Music provider in Jinja Launch of the Registration for the challenge
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Gazetting of the Bukaleba Peninsular into a game reserve shall include the following:Carrying on a spot visit to the proposed area Interacting with the settlement communities around and in the peninsular Interacting with the Chief Luba and regents Accessing relevant maps and documentation for verification and consultation Interacting with the local governments in the area and Members of Parliament Contacting the Ministry of Tourism and NFA for mandate designation of the area
Work plan for developing Kyando Martyrs site will include the following:Carrying out spot visit to the site and interacting with the Rev. Vicar caretaking the place to establish land acrage and demarcations. Identify the various location points of significance and assess state in which they are while suggesting interventions required. Interact with the local community and local government on what is needed to develop the area into a tourist destination Seek professional assistance from Cultural and Antiquity Architectures for artistic impression mapping.
Activities involved in making an inventory of the potential tourist sites in Busoga will include the following:Meeting the 11 Balangira On spot check and verification visits to all the suggested sites Engaging researchers/writers to document these sites and their corresponding stories
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The Event:
The challenge is scheduled for 10th 12th May 2013. Departure will be from Kampala for Kamuli early in the afternoon with a stopover at Namasagali Pier for a reminiscence of this once time Busogas trading hub on River Nile. Expected arrival in Kamuli is at 7.00pm where the group will be welcomed with a borne fire barbecue accompanied with kisoga traditional dance entertainment. The group will depart the following morning for Kagulu geared up for the challenge that will eagerly be waiting for those who will dare it. After the days grueling adventure, the group will set off at 6.00pm for Kamuli for the overnight. Early in the morning after breakfast, the group will embark on the journey back to Kampala with a stopover at Itanda Falls for lunch on the Nile.
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We realize that in order for the drive to encourage tourists to go to Kagulu hill for both the rock climbing and cultural tourism, there must be a deliberate effort to involve not only the local governments in the area, but also to seek full involvement of the local community in whose territory the hill lies. Therefore, joint sensitization meetings of the local government and the local communities have been held whose outcome has supported and underscored the desire of the community to see that tourism is encouraged in the area in order for them as a community to be able to benefit from what accrues from such development. Arising out of this meeting, three areas of intervention have been identified:-
Based on the needs in the community, BTI is planning to hold a health community outreach programme at Kagulu village. The outreach programme that will be held for a full day on the 10th May 2013, just a day before the real challenge, will include the following: HIV testing and counseling Dental scanning and basic treatment Personal health care Child deworming and immunization
In order to give back to the community, BTI is dedicating part of the proceeds to go towards the start of establishment of a health unit in the community. Apart from that, BTI plans to use part of the proceeds to construct a reception center and lavatory facilities at the hill as basic infrastructure development to spur and facilitate improved visit to the hill.
Noticeably, Kagulu area is increasingly becoming a dry place due to the ongoing deforestation which has simply exercibatted an already bad situation. Therefore, as a contribution by BTI, all participants in the Kagulu Hill Climbing Challenge will be encouraged to plant a tree soon after the challenge and before embarking on the journey back to Kamuli.
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This impression of a human foot is found on Kagulu Rock, this is one of the many mysteries that Kagulu Hill embodies
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Expected Outcome:
As it is already stated above, the event is organized as an adventure sport with fun and enjoyment. The resulting outcome expected by the organizers of this event is threefold:-
One: To introduce the tourism potential of Kagulu hill to both the outside world and internally in Uganda. It is hoped that at the end of this event, the Ugandas Ministry of Tourism and other stakeholders in the tourism promotion will have picked concrete interest in marketing Kagulu Hill not only as a rock climbing destination, but also as one of the places rich in cultural heritage and fit for research and cultural tourism.
more people going to Kagulu hill either as individuals or as groups. Since through the preparation process for this challenge we have brought the local government on board, it is hoped that by seeing the revenue potential this can bring to their governments in form of local service tax, these local governments will be more proactive in maintaining and making the access roads to the area motorable.
Two: It is hoped that through this event, enough interest will be generated which should result in many
Three: It is hoped that there will be significant benefit to the community is that it is hoped that with the
increasing potential of this area, there will be private investment in the area in terms of accommodation and refreshments which will obviously mean creating jobs and income for the local community.
WW W. BUSOG AT O URISM.C
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Climbing Challenge
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K AG UL U HILL
M AY 2013
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P.O. Box 6138 Kampala UGANDA Tel: 0414377100 | 0414346806 | 0772502121 | 0712657854 info@busogaexpo.com | www.busogaexpo.com
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