Honorable Umar Nangoli the Member of Parliament Northern City Division Mbale City has called on government to improve infrastructure leading to tourist sites like Mbale -Nkokonjeru road leading to Wanale falls and other tourist potentials, and to modernize tourism sites.
Hon. Nangoli said that Bugisu Sub-region has good tourist sites, and if modernized government will receive more tourists in Uganda.
He spoke this during World Tourism Day celebrations in Mbale City at Mbale SSS Grounds over the weekend.
Hon.Nangoli noted that poor roads and lack of modern facilities at tourism sites are limiting the number of tourists visiting the Elgon region.
"Bugisu Sub-region has good tourist sites. If modernized, government will receive more tourists in Uganda," Nangoli said.
He specifically cited Mbale- Nkokonjeru Road(21K) leading to Wanale falls , Khaukha Caves access roads and other attraction sites that need urgent attention.
The legislator urged the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities and UNRA to prioritize tourism roads in Bugisu.
However, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Butime Tom, has called for action on tourism industry bottlenecks in Elgon Sub-region.
Among the bottlenecks highlighted are limited investment and access to capital, which continue to affect the development of tourism facilities and services, as well as visa-related limitations affecting international tourists.
Minister Butime says addressing these challenges, alongside improving tourism infrastructure, investment and accessibility, will be critical to unlocking the region’s tourism potential and increasing its contribution to local economic development.
He acknowledged that despite having great potential like Sipi Falls, Mt. Elgon National Park, Wanale Caves and rich Bamasaba culture, the region has not fully benefited due to these challenges.
The Minister assured stakeholders that government is working on improving access to affordable capital for tourism investors, easing visa processes and upgrading tourism infrastructure.
He urged local investors to organize themselves and take advantage of government programs aimed at boosting tourism.
The national World Tourism Day celebrations held at Mbale SSS Grounds attracted thousands including President Museveni, local leaders and stakeholders in the tourism sector.
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