Preserve Uganda’s cultural sites to attract tourists

On March 20, it was reported in the media that the cabinet of Tooro Kingdom had decided to turn the kingdom headquarters into a multi-billion hotel so as to fetch revenue for the institution. The front runner of this idea was reported to be the kingdom’s prime minister, Mr Bernard Tungwako.
Whereas it is true that the kingdom of Tooro is in dire need of financial resources to run its activities, turning one of her heritage symbols into a hotel is a declaration by the prime minister that he has failed to safeguard and promote the heritage of Batooro.
In 2015, in light of the threats to demolish the Uganda Museum and in light of dangers facing important heritage properties in Kampala, the Cross – Cultural Foundation of Uganda initiated a project called the “Conservation of historical buildings and historical sites of Kampala”. Through the project the foundation seeks to put to the general public and policy makers the importance of preserving historical buildings amidst modem economic development through awareness raising and advocacy. Lessons from this project can be shared to enhance the preservation of other equally important buildings that have a bearing on our history as a country. Such lessons include how historical properties such as the Tooro Kingdom headquarters can generate income without necessarily converting it to other uses for which it was not originally meant to serve.
For instance, Tooro Kingdom can have a museum in one of the rooms, crafts shops in the courtyard for different items and a restaurant providing traditional dishes peculiar to Batooro. Targeting tourists to Queen Elizabeth, Rwenzori Mountains and Semliki National Parks as well as tourists to Amabere ga Nyinamwiru, such services can generate some modest income.
Fredrick Nsibambi The Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda