BY JOACKIM KULE MUHESI
The Rwenzururu King (Omusinga) Charles Wesley Mumbere Iremangoma has appealed to the government to promote the tourism industry through creating cultural tourism villages in Kasese district.
The Omusinga’s appeal was delivered this evening by the Kingdom’s Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Benson Kule Baritazale during the Golden Jubilee celebrations for Kasese District Local Government at Nyakasanga Playground in Kasese town.
Kasese district was formed in 1974 under the Provincial Administration of Rwenzori district that was curved out of Kabarole District.
While delivering the Omusinga’s message at the function, Rt. Hon. Baritazale noted a critical role that the tourism sector was playing to the country’s economic growth and development.
He observed that Kasese district was endowed with many natural resources, hence a need for creating tourism villages for economic purposes. According to him, once tourism is improved, the subjects and local population would embrace the cultural heritage for socio-economic transformation.
The Omusinga through his Prime Minister also appealed to the government to prioritize the elevation of Kasese Municipality into a City while Hima and Mpondwe –Lhubiriha Town Councils elevated to Municipalities.
The Kasese District Chairperson, Mr. Eliphazi Muhindi Bukombi told the gathering that Kasese was among the most growing districts in terms of development in all sectors including health, trade and education.
Mr. Muhindi called for the rehabilitation of the former Rwenzururu Royal Guards, their orphans and widows following their release from prison.
Hon. Godfrey Baluku Kabbyanga Kiime, the Minister of State in-charge of National Guidance told the gathering that government was committed to ensuring that development prevails in Kasese district.
Kabbyanga specifically mentioned the reinstatement of the mining activities in Kilembe, the restoration of the Railways and construction of Kasese Airfield so that it is subsequently elevated to an International Airport.
Representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the function as the Chief Guest, Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, the Minister of State for Trade, appealed to the people to use the cultural heritages properly, adding that they play a vital role in economically supporting livelihoods.
Minister Mbadi, however, challenged the people to be loyal to the government as well as keeping peace in order to enjoy the benefits for which Kasese district was created.
ENDS