Kanungu constructs lodge out of tourism revenue
Mpungu Eco Tourism Lodge located in the thickets of Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks is primed for gorilla tracking among other tourism activities
KANUNGU, September 24, 2024 — Kanungu district has constructed a magnificent ecotourism lodging facility in Mpungu Subcounty using funds from a revenue sharing agreement with Uganda Wildlife Authority [UWA], the managers of game parks in the country.
Mpungu Eco Tourism Lodge located in the thickets of Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks is primed for gorilla tracking among other tourism activities, and is another source of revenue for the district whose residents mainly depend on farming for survival.
The Shs 551 million facility was recently handed over to the Kanungu Resident District Commissioner Ambrose Mwesigye Amanyire in Hakikome Village, Karambi Parish, Mpungu Subcounty.
Mwesigye noted that the project was inspired by similar projects in Bwindi-Buhoma where the community used revenue shared by UWA to establish Buhoma Community Development Association [BMCDA] that runs a rest camp and a lodge.
He said the ecotourism facility at Buhoma has created employment opportunities for at least 100 youth, stimulating businesses such as food supply, construction of roads, and establishment of a community savings and credit enterprise.
The RDC urged the people of Mpungu Subcounty to utilise the facility effectively, saying “It is a valuable source of income, and employment.”
He also commended UWA for the revenue-sharing initiative, which he said is significantly contributing to community development.
The Kanungu district LCV Vice-chairperson, Henry Mwongyera expressed his appreciation for the project and called for more such long-lasting initiatives for community development.
The Chief Administrative Officer Kanungu district Abdallah Awuye emphasised that such tangible projects are more beneficial than distributing goats to individuals, which often do not reach their intended beneficiaries.
“Projects like these provide clear accountability and lasting impact. We thank the contractors for the good job,” he said.
The investigations Officer UWA Justine Okullai warned the residents of Mpungu against poaching, which he said harms the national park’s ecosystem. He said UWA would continue supporting the community through sharing revenue generated from the national parks.
The construction of the facility to its current stage was done by SM Kirima Enterprises Ltd. Managers of the project said it would be expanded, making a total cost of Shs. 9 billion.
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