RUBIRIZI, Uganda — Leaders in Rubirizi District have called on the government to strengthen security and improve infrastructure in order to protect tourism sites and attract more visitors to the area.
The call was made during a meeting involving district officials ahead of a planned workshop with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development aimed at discussing Rubirizi’s tourism potential and strategies to improve the sector.
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Rubirizi, Mr. Ahamedi Kinene, urged the government to invest more resources in tourism security and infrastructure, saying this would increase tourist confidence and boost the district’s economy.
Mr. Kinene emphasized the need for local leaders to mobilize communities to actively support tourism initiatives. He also called for improvement in hotel standards to meet the expectations of both local and international tourists visiting the district.
He noted that better road networks and improvements at tourism sites would significantly contribute to the growth of tourism in the district.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nayebare Nickodemus, the Head of Economics and Tourism at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, said the meeting aimed to engage the Rubirizi District Local Government in developing and maximizing the district’s tourism potential.
Mr. Nayebare explained that discussions focused on creating a comprehensive tourism development plan, improving livelihoods for communities living near wildlife areas, and promoting infrastructure development in national parks and other tourism sites.
He added that community participation remains key in ensuring that tourism development benefits local residents.
At the same meeting, Mr. Mucunguzi Didas Magezi, the Rubirizi District Tourism Officer, emphasized the importance of community involvement in agro-tourism, including activities such as coffee farming and tree planting.
Mr. Mucunguzi encouraged stakeholders and residents to take advantage of tourism opportunities in the district by utilizing available local resources to generate income and improve their livelihoods.
Rubirizi District is home to several important tourism attractions, including wildlife areas and natural landscapes that have the potential to significantly contribute to Uganda’s tourism industry if properly developed and protected.
