Rest stops enhance Uganda's Kagulu Rock experience
Kagulu rock, a rising tourist attraction in Uganda's Buyende district, has seen significant improvements with the addition of rest stops along its climbing route. Hellen Namutamba, Tourism Minister for the Busoga kingdom in eastern Uganda, reports that these sheltered rest areas have made the 3,600-metre climb more accessible to visitors of all ages.
The enhancements, funded by a 500 million Ugandan shilling (approximately £105,000) development grant from President Yoweri Museveni, include staircases and three rest stops.
Michael Kanaku, Buyende district's local council chairperson, noted a substantial increase in visitors, from 100 per month in 2022/2023 to 800 in 2023/2024. The site now attracts both domestic and international tourists, particularly from Germany, the US, South Korea, Japan, and South Africa.
Local Ugandan communities are benefiting economically from increased tourism, with residents reporting higher sales of food, beverages, and traditional crafts. The improvements have also boosted overnight stays, further supporting the local economy in this East African nation.
Source: The Observer