Investors in Kigezi Sub-region Call for Enhanced Air Transport Infrastructure

Strategic Insights -

Investors in the Kigezi Sub-region have emphasized the importance of establishing air transport infrastructure to attract high-end tourists and generate significant foreign exchange for Uganda. The chairperson of the Kigezi Tourism Cluster, Mr Ivan Mbabazi, argued that most tourists prefer air travel over long road trips, and investing in air transport would greatly enhance the region's competitiveness. He noted that the government should fast-track the development of the Batuma Memorial Airstrip in Rubanda District, which was launched by President Museveni nearly nine years ago, and establish other airstrips in the region. This would enable investors to attract high-end tourists who want to maximize their time by visiting various sites quickly.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mr Ivan Mbabazi, the chairperson of the Kigezi Tourism Cluster, emphasized the importance of establishing air transport infrastructure to attract high-end tourists and generate significant foreign exchange for Uganda.
  • Most tourists prefer air travel over long road trips, making investing in air transport crucial for the region's competitiveness.
  • The government should fast-track the development of the Batuma Memorial Airstrip in Rubanda District, which was launched by President Museveni nearly nine years ago.
  • Establishing other airstrips in the region would enable investors to attract high-end tourists who want to maximize their time by visiting various sites quickly.
  • The chairperson of the Kigezi Tourism Cluster, Mr Ivan Mbabazi, called for the prioritization of the Muko-Kachwekano road section in Rubanda District due to its scenic potential and strategic role as a shortcut between Kabale and Kisoro Districts.
  • The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr Thomas Tayebwa, asked tourism investors in Kigezi Sub-region to upgrade their facilities to attract high-end visitors.
  • The three-year road construction project, valued at Shs112 billion, is 85 percent funded by a loan from the African Development Bank and 15 percent by the Government of Uganda.
  • The project includes the construction of four landing sites, two ferries, and a search-and-rescue boat on Lake Bunyonyi, as well as two roadside markets to boost local trade.
  • Local leaders are urged to closely monitor the project to ensure quality, as these roads are vital for enhancing tourism.

Statistics:

  • The three-year road construction project is valued at Shs112 billion.
  • The project is 85 percent funded by a loan from the African Development Bank and 15 percent by the Government of Uganda.
  • The project includes the construction of four landing sites, two ferries, and a search-and-rescue boat on Lake Bunyonyi.
  • The project also includes the construction of two roadside markets to boost local trade.
  • The African Development Bank approved the loan in December 2020, and the agreement was signed on May 11, 2021.
  • The loan was declared effective on July 21, 2021.

Sources:

  • Mr Ivan Mbabazi, the chairperson of the Kigezi Tourism Cluster
  • Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr Thomas Tayebwa
  • Minister of Works and Transport, Gen Katumba Wamala
  • State Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Mr David Bahati
  • African Development Bank
  • President Museveni
  • Uganda Government