During a tourism trail in Bukono Chiefdom on Saturday, June 22, 2024, Rebecca Kadaga, Minister for East African Community Affairs, called for Bukono Constituency to be elevated to district status. Kadaga, who is also Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister, stated that the government had previously planned to make Bukono a district and questioned why the plans were halted. She emphasized that if new districts are announced, Bukono should be included.
“We used to hear about elevating Bukono to a district, then suddenly, we stopped hearing about it. Where did the plan get lost? I assure you, if new districts are announced, Bukono shall be included,” Kadaga said to a large crowd gathered for the launch of several tourist sites.
Kadaga, who is also the Kamuli District Woman Member of Parliament, pledged to work with area legislator Persis Namuganza to promote Bukono to a district and improve its roads.
In her remarks, Namuganza echoed Kadaga’s sentiments, highlighting that Bukono, one of the oldest chiefdoms in Busoga, should be separated from Namutumba District. She argued that having two royal chiefs in one district is impractical.
“Bukono is one of the oldest chiefdoms. The late Chief Nkono had already informed President Museveni that he wanted Bukono to be a district. Even when the president attended his burial, he acknowledged Bukono’s issues and promised it would become a district. This promise should be fulfilled,” Namuganza said.
Namuganza, who serves as the State Minister for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, recalled that President Museveni had previously promised to initiate a mini-irrigation scheme and construct the road connecting Busembatia to Pallisa. She urged for the implementation of these pledges.
“When President Museveni was here to promote environmental conservation, he toured a tourism site in Bukono and promised a mini-irrigation scheme and the construction of Busembatia Road. These promises were recorded in the cabinet, and we join you, Right Hon Kadaga, in demanding their implementation,” Namuganza stated.
The Busoga Kingdom Ministry of Tourism and Heritage, under Kadaga’s leadership, unveiled two new tourism sites in Bukono Chiefdom during a lively event at Ivukula Town Council headquarters. The newly inaugurated sites are Kikalu Rock Hill and Namakoko Landing Site.
Kikalu Rock Hill, located in Kikalu Village, Nangode Sub County, features unique attractions such as a cave-like sitting room, a centuries-old banana plant, and a perpetual well. The site spans 30 acres and holds significant cultural and historical value.
Namakoko Landing Site, situated in Namakoko Village, Nangode Sub County, marks the boundary between Busoga and Teso sub-regions. Locals believe the site has spiritual significance, with many seeking blessings, children, and riches through traditional prayers.
Owek Namutamba Helen Oluga, Minister of Tourism for the Busoga Kingdom, highlighted the historical importance of Kikalu Rock Hill’s longest cave and its other distinctive features.
Presiding over the launch of the tourism sites, Kadaga noted that Busoga had previously been known mainly for the Source of the Nile, but now many traditional sites are recognized throughout the sub-region.
“Many people didn’t know about sites like St Gonzaga Gonza in Bulamogi or Bishop Hannington in Mayuge until we started exploring the entire Kingdom. Now, we have 41 tourism sites, including the ones launched today,” Kadaga said, adding that local tourists are increasingly embracing these sites.
Bukono Chiefdom Royal Head, Godfrey Mutyaba, advocated for the establishment of an industrial park in the area, believing it would create job opportunities for both educated and uneducated youth in Namutumba District.
