The Ugandan government, through collaborative efforts between the Ministries of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, and Defence, has unveiled plans to revitalize 33 historical tourism sites across the nation, many of which have fallen into disrepair.
Mr. Basil Ajer, a director in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, revealed an allocation of Shs600 million for the restoration and development of various tourism sites, including those situated within the Luweero Triangle.
The restoration project will be executed in phases, commencing with ten sites in the current fiscal year. Among the first sites to undergo renovation is the Luweero Triangle, which harbors a significant mass grave.
During a recent event marking the graduation of 54 students from the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI), who had just completed a 16-day paramilitary training program at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy (NCOA) in Gadhafi Barracks, Jinja City, Mr. Ajer emphasized the necessity of this initiative.
“Many of these historical sites are in a state of disrepair, encompassing cultural and natural heritage sites, as well as faith-based tourism sites. It is imperative to tap into these resources to generate further opportunities within the sector,” he emphasized.
Mr. Ajer went on to emphasize that the development process will be a collaborative effort involving the Office of the President, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs.
He also underscored the importance of providing military training to students and staff working in the hospitality and tourism sector, emphasizing its role in ensuring the safety of tourists both at hotels and tourism sites.
The paramilitary training imparted various skills to the students, including firearm management (shooting), disarming suspects, self-defense techniques, political orientation, and other security-related training.
Additionally, there are plans in motion to reintroduce black rhinoceros to Uganda, a species that hasn’t been sighted in the country since 1983. These rhinoceros will be sourced from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
Addressing the newly trained students, Lt. Col James Tugume, the commandant of NCOA, urged them to use their acquired skills responsibly and ethically.
