The longtime confronting Museveni ministers and Busoga daughters, Rebecca Kadaga and Persis Namuganza have collaborated to demand from government for the latter’s Bukono constituency elevation to a district status.
While unveiling tourism sites in Bukono Chiefdom on Saturday June 22, 2024, the renowned foes spoke one language with Namuganza pleading Kadaga to take the lead to advocate for promotion of Bukono to an independent district local government.
Kadaga, the Uganda’s first deputy prime minister recalled that the government earlier had plans to heighten Bukono to a district level, questioning where the move ended.
The former speaker of parliament who also doubles as the East African Community Affairs minister stated that if the government announces new districts, Bukono should be inclusive.
“We used to hear about elevating Bukono to a district, then suddenly, we stopped hearing it. Where did the plan get lost from? I just want to assure you that when giving out districts, Bukono shall be inclusive,” Kadaga said before a huge gathering that had gathered to witness the launch of several tourist sites.
Kadaga who serves as the Kamuli district woman member of Parliament, pledged to collaborate with the Bukono legislator, Persis Namuganza, to ensure the chiefdom is cut off from Namutumba district.
“I have heard the roads connecting to Pallisa are not in good terms. With me, those roads will be worked upon,” Kadaga added.
In her remarks, Namuganza, said Bukono is one of the oldest chiefdoms in Busoga and should be separated from Namutumba district which houses two chiefdoms of Bukono and Busiki.
Namuganza highlighted that the two Royal Chiefs (Nkono and Kisiki) can not be in one district.
“Bukono is one of the oldest chiefdoms. It is only this chiefdom that remained behind with a district, yet by the death of the late Chief Nkono, he had already informed President Museveni that he wanted a district,” Namuganza said.
“Even when the president came for his burial, he [Museveni] said that I know the issues of my brother and Bukono should be among the existing districts. It should therefore be implemented,” she said.
Serving as the State Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Namuganza said president Yoweri Museveni previously while touring some tourism sites in Bukono, vowed to initiative a mini-irrigation scheme and construction of the toad connecting Busembatia to Pallisa.
“When president Museveni was on his journey of conserving the environment, he toured a tourism site here in Bukono and promised to establish a mini-irrigation scheme and construct that Busembatia Road. Even in cabinet, he wrote those things, but we join you, Right Hon Kadaga, to demand implementation of those items,” Namuganza stated, calling for implementation of the projects.
Meanwhile, two new tourism sites in Bukono Chiefdom were unveiled.
Kikalu Rock Hill and Namakoko Landing Site were officially inaugurated at Ivukula Town Council headquarters where the main event was organized.
Kikalu Rock Hill, which is located at Kikalu Village, Nangode Sub County, boasts unique features such as a cave-like sitting room, a centuries-old banana plant, and a perpetual well. The site spans 30 acres of land and holds significant cultural and historical value.
While Namakoko Landing Site, situated in Namakoko Village, Nangode Sub County, marks the boundary between Busoga and Teso sub-regions.
The site is believed to possess spiritual significance, with many seeking blessings, children, and riches through traditional prayers.
But Kadaga said that Busoga in the past had been known with only the Source of the Nile, not knowing that several traditional sites exist in different parts of subregion.
“Many people didn’t know that there is St Gonzaga Gonza in Bulamogi, Bishop Hannington in Mayuge, and many other tourism sites in other chiefdoms until we embarked on traversing the whole of the Kingdom. As I speak now, we have 41 tourism sites, including the ones we have launched today,” Kadaga said, adding that local tourists have started embracing tourism.
The Busoga Tourism ministry on Sunday extended the tourism trail to Bunha chiefdom in Mayuge district where more tourism sites shall be launched.
