In the lead-up to the three-day activity in Uganda’s eastern district of Buyende, the mood among enthusiasts is high. The Kagulu Rock climbing challenge for this year will start on the 26th, of August, and excitement brewing in Busoga.
Last year, she climbed the hill for the very first time alongside the youthful Kyabazinga, who was doing the challenge for a second time. This means this year’s event will be Kadaga’s second and the king’s third.
The three days annual event is fronted as a boost to tourism in the Busoga sub-region. This latest challenge is organized by the tourism ministry and the Heritage of Busoga Kingdom under the theme ‘Creating employment through digital tourism’.
Busoga Kingdom’s tourism minister Hellen Namutamba (R) addressing a press conference on the 2023 Kagulu Rock climbing challenge, at the kingdom HQ on Aug 15, 2023. Looking on are Busoga upcoming artists Acidic Vokoz (C) and Cilcon Avokoz.
Busoga Kingdom’s tourism minister Hellen Namutamba (R) addressing a press conference on the 2023 Kagulu Rock climbing challenge, at the kingdom HQ on Aug 15, 2023. Looking on are Busoga upcoming artists Acidic Vokoz (C) and Cilcon Avokoz.
On Tuesday, Busoga Kingdom’s tourism minister Hellen Namutamba told a press conference at the monarchy’s headquarters that locals will also be able to sell their food and art pieces to tourists.
She also rallied the area people to ready accommodation facilities for visitors who will be expected to spend nights in the Kagulu sub-county.
This year’s event is expected to showcase the splendor of Busoga Kingdom and pave the way for sustainable job opportunities through digital tourism.
The beguiling Kagulu Rock, a prominent cultural and historic landmark, rises some 1,097 meters (3,600 feet) above sea level.
Local beliefs point to the sacred site as the origin of all the Basoga people.
Over the years, the rock’s natural feature has become an increasingly popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from both Uganda and around the world who seek to experience its breathtaking views and learn about its historic significance.
Namutamba acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the media, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Red Cross Jinja, Tooke, and Centenary Bank, who have joined forces with them to sponsor the celebration of heritage, adventure, and digital tourism.
This year’s challenge will once again see the king of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope IV (Pictured), and the First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga lead hundreds of anticipated climbers in scaling Kagulu Hill/Rock starting August 26.
This year’s challenge will once again see the king of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope IV (Pictured), and the First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga lead hundreds of anticipated climbers in scaling Kagulu Hill/Rock starting August 26.
Doris Praise Walusimbi is a Miss Tourism Busoga coordinator in the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage in Busoga Kingdom.
She said that on August 24-25, attendees will immerse themselves in various events, including cultural exhibitions, a health camp, Miss Tourism Busoga competitions, Miss and Mr. Tik Tok finals, and then climbing the rock.
Walusimbi said attractive features were built atop Kagulu Rock, including rest areas and a statue of Prince Mukama Namutukula, the ancestral leader who founded Busoga.
During the presser, Mutwaluhu Kakaire aka Acidic Vokoz was introduced as the new Busoga Tourism Ambassador, and he promised to mobilize artistes and musicians in the Busoga sub-region to promote tourism through their music.
Also in attendance was upcoming musician Nuhuman Talyaka aka Cilcon Avokoz and Busoga’s famous Tik Toker Funnyadd, who will be responsible for identifying talent among youth in Busoga and promoting it.
