President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to boost tourism in the Tooro sub-region through key infrastructure projects, including the construction of a modern stadium in Fort Portal and the expansion of the existing aerodrome into a fully-fledged airport.
The President made the commitment during a meeting with His Majesty Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the Queen Mother, and their delegation at Fort Portal State Lodge on Thursday afternoon.
“This afternoon, I had a discussion with His Majesty Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the Queen Mother, and their delegation at Fort Portal State Lodge,” President Museveni said. “We discussed constructing a stadium in Fort Portal and expanding the aerodrome into an airport to enhance tourism.”
The President emphasized that the projects are part of a broader government plan to transform Fort Portal into a regional hub for tourism, investment, and sports, capitalizing on the region’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
The pledge comes as Fort Portal continues to position itself as a key tourism destination, often referred to as the “Tourism City” due to its proximity to national parks, crater lakes, and other attractions.
President Museveni also noted that the government is working closely with the Tooro Kingdom to resolve land-related concerns and foster a harmonious relationship between cultural institutions and local government.
“We will address land issues within the kingdom and work towards establishing common ground for the local government and the kingdom to coexist peacefully,” he said.
He further announced that titles to properties belonging to the kingdom would be returned once a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed between the government and the cultural institution.
“Titles to the kingdom’s properties will be returned upon the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the government,” the President affirmed.
The meeting underscored a renewed commitment to collaboration between the central government and cultural institutions in driving socio-economic transformation across Uganda.