President Yoweri Museveni has announced plans to construct an international airport in Kihihi, Kanungu District, as part of efforts to boost tourism in the region.
“The airport will target high-end tourists who want to come with their planes,” President Museveni said. “We want to promote tourism in Kanungu, and this airport will be a major step in achieving that goal.”
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The government has set aside 720 acres of land for the airport’s development, with a 6km runway. The project is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region.
The airport is expected to target high-end tourists who want to visit the area’s natural attractions. Kanungu is known for its stunning landscapes and is home to several tourist attractions, including the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, renowned for its endangered mountain gorillas. The park welcomes tourists from around the world who come for gorilla trekking and habituation experiences.
In addition to gorilla trekking, visitors to Kanungu can also explore the region’s dark tourism sites, including the infamous Kibwetere’s Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God, where over 1,000 members were tragically killed in a fire in 2000.
Cultural encounters with the Batwa pygmies, who reside in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi forest, are also a major draw for tourists. Visitors can learn about the Batwa’s former forest life, traditional practices, and history.
Other activities in Kanungu include birding, hiking, and nature walks, making it an ideal destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
In addition to the airport, President Museveni has also emphasized the importance of commercial agriculture in creating wealth and ensuring food security in the region. He has encouraged locals to venture into commercial farming, citing dairy farming as a lucrative option.
“For those with small pieces of land, you should do intensive agriculture where you carry out an enterprise on a small scale but get high returns,” President Museveni advised. “We recommended seven activities, including growing coffee, fruits, and food crops, as well as rearing pigs and poultry.”
The government has also launched initiatives aimed at promoting economic development and reducing poverty in the region. These include the Parish Development Model, which aims to help households join the money economy.
President Museveni has also cautioned against tribalism and emphasized the importance of unity in achieving socio-economic transformation. “Go slow on the Banyakigezi initiative so that you don’t make mistakes,” he warned.
