By Isaac Wandubile
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi has launched a fierce attack on the NRM government, accusing it of grossly neglecting the tourism-rich Kigezi sub-region while pouring resources into a few privileged areas.
Addressing residents in Muko Sub-county in Rubanda District, as well as Nyanamo, Butengo and Rubuguri in Kisoro District and Kisoro Municipality, Mafabi described the state of tourism infrastructure as a national scandal.
He said globally renowned attractions such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the Virunga Volcanoes were being undermined by dilapidated roads and a severe shortage of decent, affordable accommodation.
Mafabi argued that the poor state of access roads was driving tourists away from Uganda, with many opting to visit neighboring Rwanda instead.
He blamed the government for failing to prioritize communities that live near these attractions, noting that while huge sums of money had reportedly been extended to wealthy investors to develop places like Munyonyo, locals in Kigezi had been left without financial support to improve tourism facilities.
According to Mafabi, this neglect, coupled with widespread theft of public funds, has choked the region’s economic potential and kept residents trapped in poverty despite sitting on some of the country’s most valuable natural assets.
He maintained that Kigezi’s forests, mountains and wildlife should be engines of prosperity rather than symbols of abandonment.
The opposition leader urged voters in Kigezi to back his presidential bid, saying his leadership would deliver visible change within two years.
He promised improved road networks, expanded tourism infrastructure, increased job opportunities and better social services such as healthcare and education.
Mafabi emphasized that empowering local communities to own and benefit from tourism would transform the region’s economy and restore its lost promise.
As political campaigns gather momentum, his remarks have intensified debate over whether Uganda’s tourism wealth is being developed for the benefit of all or reserved for a select few, with Kigezi now emerging as a key battleground in the national conversation. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
