The Kagulu Rock challenge has today been accomplished with the chief climber HRH the Kyabazinga of Busoga William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV leading hundreds of trekkers, including the Rt Hon Rebecca Kadaga to the Peak of Kagulu Rock.
The Rock locked in Buyende district is one of Busoga’s major tourist attractions with a height of 3,600ft above sea level.
In his message, the Kyabazinga commended President Yoweri Museveni for promoting tourism in Busoga Kingdom.
The monarch cited the central government contribution towards the construction of a staircase to the top of the sacred rock.
In a related development, the 1st Deputy Prime Minister Rt Hon Rebecca Kadaga urged the Basoga to refrain from selling off their land, noting that it is valuable and endowed with minerals.
She cited the discovered Rare Earth minerals in Mayuge, Bugweri, Iganga and Bugiri which are presumed to be the largest in Africa.
Hon. Kadaga informed the people of Buyende about the presence of granite minerals which are used in the production of tiles and construction of roads, among others.
The chief organizer of the kagulu Rock Challenge, Owek Hellen Olga Namutamba, commended the people of Busoga for honoring the invitation to join HRH the Kyabazinga for the challenge.
She lauded the sponsors of the challenge, including President Museveni, Rt Hon. Kadaga, Buganda Kingdom, Buyende District Local Government, NBS Group, BABA group, Busoga One and Hill Water, among others for the commendable work done.
She, however, decried the refusal of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) to support the cause despite their contribution towards tourism promotion and development in other regions.
Buyende District chairperson Micheal Kanaku commended Busoga consortium for strengthening unity in the region.
He also commended the Kyabazinga for providing land for the establishment of recreation facilities like hotels at Kagulu.
Kanaku also hailed the Rt Hon. Kadaga for establishing hospitality facilities at the site.
The Kyabazinga later paid a courtesy call to the country home of Hon. Moses Magogo and his wife Speaker Anita Among situated just a few meters from the rock site.
This year’s Kagulu Rock challenge was graced by several dignitaries who included MPs Moses Magogo (Budiope East), Mary Nakato (Buyende District Woman MP) and Steven Kisa (Luuka South).
Other participants included Jinja mayor Peter Kasolo, district chairpersons, Busoga Consortium boss Anthony Mula and Local Government undersecretary Benon Amagaza, among others.
