Bunyoro Leaders Seek Bigger Tourism Budget to Protect Cultural Heritage

What the report says

Kingdom officials, religious leaders and tourism stakeholders in Bunyoro are urging Uganda’s government to raise funding for tourism and do more to protect historic places they say are central to the region’s identity. The appeal was made at the launch of *The Chronicles of Hoima and Masindi*, a publication by the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda that documents built and natural heritage sites in Hoima City and Masindi Municipality.

According to the Nile Post report, speakers argued that tourism’s share of the national budget is far too small compared with the sector’s economic contribution, and said more support could help Bunyoro attract visitors while preserving cultural landmarks. They also warned that some older buildings and heritage sites are being neglected or demolished, even though they carry historical and cultural value.

Barbara Babwetera of the Cross-Cultural Foundation said the book aims to draw attention to sites that need protection for future generations. Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom tourism officer Moses Atuha called for stronger local ordinances to require communities and property owners to preserve important sites. Other speakers, including church representatives and district officials, said they were willing to support conservation efforts and tourism promotion.

The publication highlights sites such as Mparo Tombs, Kabalega-linked landmarks and Kibiro Hot Springs. In the wider tourism context, the discussion reflects a common challenge in Uganda and elsewhere: balancing modernization with the preservation of heritage assets that can support cultural tourism.