MASINDI – The Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities [MTWA] has embarked on the construction of Shs 200 million handicraft production centre in Masindi district.
The ministry in partnership with Masindi District Local Government, the Ministry of Works and Transport on Tuesday launched the construction works of the project at Kigaragra Village in Labongo Sub-county, Masindi district.
According to Rita Karungi, the Masindi tourism officer, the craft centre will serve Boomu Women’s Group in Kicumbanyobwo, which is adjacent to Murchison Falls National Park.
“Boomu Women’s Group has been involved in the craft enterprise for over 20 years. It was necessary for the government to support it,” said Karungi.
Karungi told this reporter that the crafts centre falls under the Handicraft and Souvenir Industry Development Project [HSDP] funded by Geneva-based Enhanced Integrated Framework [EIF], which works with partner countries to harness trade for economic growth, poverty reduction and sustainable development.
The handicraft production centre will also act as a stopover for tourists visiting Murchison Falls National Park to buy locally-made crafts and participate in making them. The centre will also skill more people, especially women and youth.
Speaking during the handover of the site to the contractor, Sanon Dhaala the deputy resident district commissioner Masindi hailed MTWA for choosing Masindi.
He further commended Boomu Women’s Group for being consistent in producing crafts.
“I promise to work closely with the contractor. I am going to carry out frequent monitoring and supervision of the project. Ensure that there is no shoddy work,” he warned, as he pledged support to the women’s group.
Edna Byabali, the chairperson Boomu Women’s Group urged the district authorities to improve the roads in the area, saying they are finding it hard to market their products.
HSDP aims to elevate artist skills, quality assurance and branding of local handicrafts to international standards, as it works with groups and cooperatives.
According to officials, the objective of the project is to develop the handicrafts and souvenir sector in Uganda. “Overall, the program looks at creating linkages between the producers, associations and the traders of handcrafted products and the tourism industry to improve livelihoods for some of the most marginalised communities in Uganda.”
Key focus is on supporting production of functional items which are in demand by both the local market and international buyers. “Interventions emphasize product development and diversification, increased production and quality enhancement.”
https://thecooperator.news/handicraft-cooperative-members-decry-high-prices-of-inputs/
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