Locals want place of Mwanga, Kabalega capture given historical value

The sites, which commemorate a pivotal moment in Uganda's history, currently sit on land that has seen little to no development over the past decade.

DOKOLO | Local leaders and residents in Kangai, a town about 37km from Dokolo, are urging the government to develop the historic sites where Kabaka Mwanga and Omukama Kabalega were captured by British imperialists in 1899.

These sites, which are only about one kilometer apart, have been largely neglected and overgrown with vegetation, prompting calls for redevelopment to boost tourism and local revenue.

The sites, which commemorate a pivotal moment in Uganda's history, currently sit on land that has seen little to no development over the past decade.

Local leaders believe that investing in these locations could attract tourists and create job opportunities for the surrounding communities.

Denis Amer, the LC3 chairperson of Kangai Town Council, stated that the site remains bushy despite its historical significance.

"The government should take the lead in developing these sites to attract tourists and generate revenue for the local economy," Amer said.

He added that currently, the only revenue the town council receives is from schools visiting the site, with each learner paying at least Shs2,500.

Patrick Okwir Angulu, the headteacher of Kangai Secondary School, where one of the sites is located, noted that despite early commitments from the Ministry of Tourism to develop the sites, progress has been slow.

"We were promised development, but we have yet to see substantial work being done to improve the condition of the sites," he said.

Barbara Aketch, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Dokolo District, echoed the sentiments of the local leaders, advocating for the reconstruction of the sites with modern facilities to make them more attractive to tourists.

She stressed that developing these historic locations would not only preserve an important part of Uganda's history but also bring economic benefits to the local community.

"The redevelopment of these sites could significantly improve the status of the school and create more opportunities for the residents of Kangai and Dokolo," Aketch stated.

Local leaders believe that with proper investment, the sites could become a significant tourist attraction, providing a new source of income for the district while honoring the legacy of Kabaka Mwanga and Omukama Kabalega.

The call to action is clear: the government must step up efforts to ensure these historic sites are developed and preserved for future generations.