The Kigezi tourism festivities are set to begin this Sunday with an aim of showcasing and developing the abundant, diverse culture and natural endowment in Uganda’s southwest region. The official launch at the Uganda museum in Kampala will be graced by the minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Maria Mutagamba. Other activities are to take place in Kisoro district on December 23 and 24.
Allan Nsengiyunva, one of the organizers and co-founder of this inaugural festival told Chimpreports that the events will also highlight the role of tourism in transforming the socio economic livelihoods of the people within the districts of Rukungiri, Kabale, Kisoro and Kanungu.
This annual and rotational event will actively engage the local communities in preserving the cultural heritage as well as conserving the natural resources for the development of tourism potential in region and in Uganda.
Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s deepest lake situated in Kabale district
In a bid to showcase the cultural diversity in Uganda, the opening event will feature multicultural performances from top cultural groups among them; Bakiga, Banyarwanda, Bafumbira, Bahororo, Batwa, Baganda, Banyankole, Basoga, Acholi and Karimojong.
Participants will also enjoy a taste of Kigezi’s different traditional foods and drinks like ibihaza, isogo, bushera and enturire. The festival will exhibit cultural fashion, art, crafts, tourism, other products and services.
Tourists participate in a biking challenge in Kisoro
“The activities in Kisoro district in December will include mountain hiking (Mt. Sabyinyo), biking challenge for conservation and safety. Participants will also engage in a nature walk and birding experience as well as community tree planting in Mgahinga Gorilla national park,” said Nsengiyunva.
Bwindi is famous for the mountain gorillas
Kigezi is home to a significant number of tourist attractions among them Lake Bunyonyi, Queen Elizabeth national park and Bwindi Impenetrable national park which harbors mountain gorillas. These and more other attractions will be exposed at the festival.