EDITORIAL
The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities has officially reopened Mugaba Palace in western Uganda after years of renovation, marking a major step in promoting cultural tourism in the region.
Once home to the Omugabe, or King, of the Ankole Kingdom, the palace had fallen into disrepair following the abolition of traditional kingdoms in 1967.
Government has invested over 7 billion shillings in restoring the site, aiming to make it a cultural hub that tells the story of the Banyankole people and their heritage.
Jackie Nyiracyiza says the palace offers a new tourism product for Uganda, blending culture with nature, and hopes it will generate up to 50 million dollars over the next 15 years,” she said.
The palace will not only attract tourists but also serve as a centre for dialogue on heritage, inter-kingdom relations, and identity, featuring artefacts, photographs, and architecture that reflect Ankole’s history.
Local leaders have welcomed the reopening. Allan Karakore Buhanda says, Opening Mugaba Palace preserves the heritage of the Omugabe while creating economic opportunities for the region.
Tourism officials hope experiential offerings, including cultural exhibitions and agro-tourism linked to Ankole’s iconic long-horned cattle, will further attract both domestic and international visitors.