Buyende: Thousands of people across Busoga gathered on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Kagulu in Buyende district to participate in the 2024 Kagulu Rock Climbing Challenge.
The annual event, organized by the Busoga Kingdom’s Ministry of Tourism and Heritage, featured the Busoga King, His Majesty William Wilberforce Nadiope Gabula IV, as the chief climber.
The First Deputy Prime Minister, Rebecca Kadaga, was also present, along with other political figures from Busoga, including members of Parliament, district chairpersons, and Busoga’s subjects.
King Nadiope led his subjects to the apex of the 3,600-foot rock.
However, Emma Kagona, a male resident of Buyende district, won the climbing competition. Kagona took only six minutes to reach the peak of the rock, while his rival Joseph Ngobi, who finished second in the adult male category, took six minutes and 40 seconds.
In the young males’ competition, Luke Mukisa was the first to reach the apex, completing the climb in seven minutes. Meddy Musamilizi came in second, finishing in seven minutes and 30 seconds.
In the young girls’ category, Jamirah Namusana led, reaching the top in eight minutes, while Patricia Nabirye took nine minutes.
The Kyabazinga, who was accompanied by the Kingdom Prime Minister Dr. Joseph Muvawala, Isabalangira Zilabamuzale Menya, and several royal chiefs from different chiefdoms, lauded his subjects for promoting tourism in the Busoga sub-region.
“I want to thank the people of Busoga, especially the residents of Budiope, for supporting tourism. This time, you have shown overwhelming unity in response to the Busoga Kingdom’s call for the Kagulu Rock Challenge. I thank you for mobilizing your peers to attend this important event,” the Kyabazinga said.
The King praised the East African Community (EAC) Affairs Minister, Rebecca Kadaga, who is also the chairperson of the Busoga Tourism Board, for her role in promoting Busoga tourism. He noted that Kadaga has not only promoted Busoga but also the entire country, Uganda.
“I thank the Right Honorable Rebecca Kadaga for the tremendous work she has done for Busoga and Uganda as a whole,” the King said, presenting her with a certificate of appreciation.
Kadaga, the Kamuli District Woman MP, highlighted the importance of securing a title deed for the land housing Kagulu Rock. She mentioned that the President has requested the title to continue developing the tourist attraction.
“President Museveni has supported all the tourism programs we have had in Busoga, and he continues to support us. However, we owe the land title of this area to the President to facilitate further development. We hope to return next year with this issue resolved,” Kadaga said.
She also provided an update on the Busoga tourism sector, noting that the sub-region now has 45 tourist sites in various chiefdoms. Kadaga emphasized that both the tourism ministry and herself would continue to identify and unveil more sites in chiefdoms she has not yet visited.
“I am happy to report that this year, the number of tourist sites in Busoga has increased. Last year, we had 35 sites, but now, we have over 45,” she said.
Kadaga expressed confidence that Busoga will lead the way in tourism promotion.
Meanwhile, Hellen Namutamba, the Busoga Kingdom’s Minister for Tourism, said efforts are still underway to promote the industry. She pledged to continue mobilizing Busoga’s subjects to support local tourism.
