The government has designed a strategic plan that will turn the source of the Nile in Jinja into an international tourism site.
According to Jimmy Andrew Kigozi, a senior tourism officer at the Ministry of Tourism, through the stakeholder sensitization meeting held at the source of the Nile Hotel, a consultant was contracted to demarcate the land needed along the banks of the Nile to pave way for the planned development.
“The development involves constructing quality modern facilities at the Nile that will greatly improve the visitors experience, like a modern pier, a Nile civilization village, playing facilities for children, a zip line, restaurants, and accommodation, among others,” Kigozi said.
Kigozi stated that there are few activities people can enjoy at the Nile, like eating fish and boating, but the government wants to develop the place into a world-class tourist site so that when the tourists come, they can enjoy themselves and stay longer, thus boosting the country’s revenue.
Henry Kitambula, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RCC) of Jinja City, stated that as leaders, they are in support of the ideal of developing the site because it will create jobs for the people of Jinja, infrastructural development, and also generate income for those who will be able to supply goods and services.
“When one visits the Nile for the first time, they regret why they came because the only thing they see is people eating fish and those on boat cruises; nothing else attracts them, but if it is well developed, it will attract more tourists,” Kitambula said.
Kitambula asked the leaders both at the local and district levels to mobilise the communities and give them the right information on what the project is all about.
Jinja City is recognised as the adventure capital, attracting both local and international tourists with events such as international music and arts festivals that bring all tourists together in one location to celebrate Uganda’s beauty.
