Tourism stakeholders in the Kigezi sub-region have called on the government to increase funding for road infrastructure leading to key tourism destinations as Uganda prepares for the reading of the national budget.
Wyclif Rushaju, Director of Milele Lodge Bunyonyi, said that while the government has recognised tourism as a key driver of job creation, there remains a mismatch between the sector's contribution to the economy and the resources allocated to support its growth.
He noted that several tourism roads across Kigezi, Buganda, Acholi, and Kidepo have been earmarked in previous budgets, but implementation has remained slow.
“I think we must commend the government for recognising tourism. However, there has been a mismatch between tourism sector development and the resources allocated to the industry, particularly for infrastructure and related investments,” Rushaju said.
He welcomed plans to establish an airport in Kidepo and expressed hope that Kigezi would also benefit from similar infrastructure in the future.
“If we could improve the roads leading to national parks and tourism sites such as Lake Bunyonyi, it would significantly boost the sector. We expect tomorrow's budget to increase funding allocated to the tourism sub-sector,” he added.
Rushaju said improved infrastructure would benefit not only tourists but also tour guides, lodge operators, farmers, and local communities whose livelihoods depend on tourism.
“Tourism is a major driver of economic transformation and can play a significant role in helping Uganda achieve middle-income status,” he noted.
The Chairperson of the Kigezi Tourism Cluster, Ivan Mbabazi Batuma, said the Kigezi sub-region contributes a significant share of Uganda's tourism revenue through gorilla trekking activities in Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks, yet access roads remain in poor condition.
He said that although funds have repeatedly been allocated for roads leading to Lake Bunyonyi, Bwindi, and Mgahinga, implementation has lagged behind, frustrating both tourists and tour operators.
“Government should prioritise these roads. This time, it should not only be about announcing allocations in the budget. The funds must be released and the projects implemented. Year after year, allocations are announced, but little progress is seen on the ground,” Batuma said.
He added that Uganda must remain competitive with neighbouring tourism destinations by ensuring roads to major attractions are fully tarmacked.
“All roads leading to tourism destinations, lakes, and national parks such as Bwindi should be tarmacked right up to the entrance gates. That is the level of infrastructure tourists expect when they visit Uganda,” he said.