The State Minister for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Mr David Bahati, has urged the Banyakigezi community in the Kigezi Subregion to tap into the region’s abundant natural resources in a bid to foster development, fight poverty, and alleviate unemployment. During the opening of the two-day International Community of Banyakigezi (ICOB) annual convention in Rukiga District, Mr Bahati emphasized the need for effective utilization of minerals and tourist attractions in the region.
The Kigezi Subregion, rich in natural beauty and resources, boasts attractions such as Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks, home to over half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, the famed climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth national park, dormant volcanic Mt Muhavura, Lake Bunyonyi, substantial iron ore deposits, and gold deposits in Kanungu District. Minister Bahati called upon the community to mirror resourcefulness, citing the biblical story of Jesus feeding multitudes with two fish and five loaves of bread.
“Being located at the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, Kigezi region is a great market for goods and services. Let us devise means of effectively utilizing these natural resources to address the development concerns of greater Kigezi in the 21st century,” urged Mr Bahati.
The Minister stressed the importance of avoiding sectarianism and promoting trade by embracing buyers and sellers, irrespective of personal affiliations. He encouraged the community to participate in government programs and harness the potential of the region as a market for goods and services.
However, Prof Charles Kwesiga, the executive director of the Uganda Industrial Research Institute, highlighted challenges hindering industrialization in Kigezi, including unstable electricity supply, lack of appropriate technologies, skilled power, stable financial base, and entrepreneurial acumen among the local population.
Addressing these concerns, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr Thomas Tayebwa, assured government commitment to end electricity load shedding in the region. Mr Tayebwa pledged Shs50m towards ICOB activities and launched the Paul Ngorogoza scholarship fund, which supports female students at Kabale University.
ICOB’s executive chairperson, Mr Grace Mutebile, outlined the organization’s mission to advance cultural, social, and economic interests of Banyakigezi. Notable achievements include successful yearly conventions since 2009, the launch of Rwenzori Banyakigezi Community, and the establishment of the Paulo Ngorogoza Scholarship Fund. Plans are underway to launch the Bushenyi Banyakigezi community.
