Ministers from Kigezi Urged to Lead Push for Kabale Tourism City

Kigezi residents and their local leaders on Monday urged ministers from their region to take the lead in advocating for the operationalisation of Kabale Tourism City.

This resolution was made on December 30, 2024, during a meeting named the Kabale City Claim Public Rally, held in Kabale Municipality. The rally provided a platform for residents to voice their frustrations over the delayed implementation of Kabale Tourism City.

In 2020, the Ugandan Parliament approved 15 cities to be operationalised in phases. Seven cities, including Arua, Gulu, Jinja, Mbarara, Fort Portal, Mbale, and Masaka, became operational on July 1, 2020. Hoima followed in 2021, with Lira and Entebbe becoming operational in 2022.

However, Moroto, Nakasongola, Soroti, Kabale, and Wakiso cities, initially scheduled for 2023, have yet to be operationalised.

State Minister for Finance and Economic Planning (General Duties), Hon. Henry Ariganyira Musasizi, attributed the delay to limited resources. This explanation angered many Kigezi residents, prompting them to organise the public rally.

During the rally, residents called upon ministers from Kigezi—including Hon. David Bahati (State Minister for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives), Hon. Chris Baryomunsi (Minister of Information, Communications Technology, and National Guidance), Hon. Jim Muhwezi (Minister of Defence), and Hon. Henry Musasizi—to spearhead the push for Kabale Tourism City’s operationalisation. They also resolved that preparations for the city’s operationalisation should commence immediately.

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Hon. Philemon Mateke, the invited chief guest, conveyed his remarks through Maj. Gen. Sabiti Mutebile. He urged the government to exhaust all possible avenues to ensure the operationalisation of Kabale Tourism City, highlighting the continued marginalisation of the Kigezi region. He pledged to engage with stakeholders to accelerate the process.

Ms. Kinahigwe Ribenson, Chairperson of Kabale Central Cell LC1, pointed out that Kabale City’s operationalisation faces strong opposition from individuals pursuing selfish interests.

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Local leaders also appealed to Kabale residents who might be affected by the city’s development to register for land titles to fully benefit from the new city. Additionally, they called on authorities to reconsider the proposed city boundaries to ensure equitable development.

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