The Kyabazinga, HRH William Gabula Nadiope IV(R) at the top most point of Kagulu rock/ Courtesy photo.
The Kyabazinga of Busoga, HRH Gabula Nadiope IV, has announced plans to secure land titles for the area surrounding Kagulu Rock, aiming to make the site more attractive for investment by both the government and the private sector.
His remarks came in response to the 1st Deputy Prime Minister, Rebecca Kadaga, who noted that President Yoweri Museveni had delayed investments at Kagulu Rock pending a formal land title submission.
The two leaders were among the thousands who gathered at the Buyende-based Kagulu grounds on Saturday for the annual Kagulu Rock Climbing Challenge.
This event began in 2015 and is part of efforts to promote Busoga as a key tourist destination in Uganda and across Africa.
The Kagulu Rock Climbing Challenge originated as the highlight of Kyabazinga Gabula’s annual “Kyabazinga Trail,” a tour across the Busoga sub-region. The event attracted the attention of President Museveni, who pledged to support the site’s development due to its potential as a significant source of foreign exchange through tourism.
Museveni directed the Ministry of Tourism to construct staircases to ease the climb up the 3,600-foot-high rock. The ministry also funded the erection of a statue of “Mukama Namutukula,” the father of the first five royal chiefs of the Busoga Kingdom, and the construction of resting shelters, sanitary facilities, and the extension of hydroelectricity and piped water to the area.
These developments have already led to the establishment of one hotel and three guest houses by private sector players, who are now generating revenue from tourists. Rebecca Kadaga noted that when she approached President Museveni about fulfilling other promised developments, such as a museum, world-class arrival shades, a crafts market, cable cars, a medical facility, and a conference center, the president insisted on having a land title as proof of ownership before proceeding with further developments.
In response, Kyabazinga Gabula assured the public that he would work with the relevant authorities to ensure the land is titled as quickly as possible to capitalize on the investment opportunities available. Additionally, Buyende L.C.V Chairman Michael Kanaku confirmed their commitment to demarcating boundaries with the surrounding community members, which will facilitate the titling of the estimated 100-acre parcel of land without any disputes.
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