New Community Hub Taps into Karamoja Heritage to Drive Tourism in Uganda
A new community-based tourism initiative in Karamoja, northeastern Uganda, is positioning the region as a rising destination for authentic cultural and nature-based experiences. Located near Kidepo Valley National Park, the project – led by Kara-Tunga Arts & Tours in partnership with the Karenga Community Wildlife Association (KCWA) – combines heritage preservation, community empowerment, and conservation. At its heart is a community lodge designed to offer travellers immersive encounters with the traditional lifestyle of the Karimojong people, within one of Uganda’s most ecologically and culturally rich regions.
The initiative reflects a growing demand for experiential tourism, where travellers seek deeper engagement with local communities. Beyond its cultural appeal, the hub aims to increase regional visitor numbers and address the longstanding challenge of low tourist footfall in Kidepo Valley. Plans for expanded accommodation options and a new international airport in Uganda’s northeast are set to ease accessibility. As infrastructure improves and visitor offerings diversify, Karamoja is poised to become a key player in Uganda’s tourism landscape and a model for sustainable, community-led tourism development in Africa.
Source: Travel And Tour World (TTW)