BUSOGA ANNUAL EXPO PRESTO REPORT 2012

PRESIDENTIAL INITIATIVE ON SUSTAINABLE TOURISM (PRESTO)

FORWARD PRESTO COORDINATOR

Tourism plays an important role in Ugandas economy. Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in Uganda. It has grown over the years to become a major source of revenue and also has the potential to even become the economys backbone over the next few years. The Presidential Initiative on Sustainable Tourism (PRESTO) launched by His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in February 2012 came to boost the tourism sector, diversify tourist products, initiate and/or tap tourism promotion opportunities through organizing and promoting various exhibitions and events about tourism, religion, culture, and tradition like Busoga Expo through the active participation of the private sector.
Busoga is one of the most endowed regions in Uganda with major tourist sites but most of them are undeveloped. These include the world-famous source of the Nile, where the worlds longest river starts its 6,500km journey through the Sudan, Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea.

In that vein The Speaker Of Parliament Rt Hon Kadaga Rabeca convened a meeting of critical stakeholders in November 2012 in Jinja chaired by herself and with PRESTO Coordinator identified areas important for the success of the event and these included: Infrastructure especially access roads to Jinja SS; Health and Sanitation facilities including toilets and watering places; Construction of sheds; Provision of marquees for service and display points; Provision of screens and public address systems; information centers; and Provision of materials for decorations, branding and signage. Several Sub-committees which include Security, Infrastructure, Health and Sanitation, Branding, Publicity and Information, Transport, Hospitality, Protocol and Accommodation were put in place to ensure that this Busoga Expo is a special one with high standards of hospitality, infrastructure, security, transport, feeding, health, sanitation and hygiene. The PRESTO team worked very closely with already existing committees of members of Parliament of Busoga region. We are very grateful to H.E The President and Rt. Hon Speaker Rabeca Kadagafor spearheading the involvement of PRESTO in the 2012 Busoga Expo Celebrations. The Presidential Initiative on Sustainable Tourism in a special way recognizes and extends its gratitude to the Religious institutions, Government Ministries and Agencies, the Private Sector and the General Public for making this Busoga Expo, a very successful and memorable event. It is therefore my pleasure to invite you to read this report and find out more about the involvement of PRESTO, achievements and areas for improvement. MS. NAAVA C. NABAGESERA SPECIAL PRESIDENTIAL ASSISTANT TO H.E. THE PRESIDENT PRESTO COORDINATOR

President Yoweri Museveni

President Yoweri Museveni h pledged to support the Busoga Tourism Expo if the Busoga loyal chiefs agree to unite and bury their hatchet and selfish interests. "I am extremely very happy that the 11 Busoga royal chiefs and the Busoga members of parliament have united for a general cause of Busoga tourist expo and I am convinced that it will take Busoga to another level of development. Now with the discovery of oil in Uganda which we are yet to produce, I will fully support tourism not only here in Busoga but Uganda as a whole," Museveni said

The president, accompanied by first lady Janet Museveni made these remarks on Saturday during the closing ceremony of Busoga tourist expo at Jinja secondary school in Jinja town. President Museveni says that Uganda earns 800 million Uganda shillings every year from tourism and assured the people in Busoga to support the recovery and improvement of the existing and new cultural and historical sites in order to translate them into sources of income Addressing himself on the Kyabazinga stalemate, President Museveni distanced himself from the persistent failure of the cultural institution to have a successor. "I have heard and been told about people lying and confusing you that I support any of the contenders but I want to put it very clear that I am not one of the 11 hereditary chiefs in Busoga kingdom and therefore can never interfere. Just task them to come to consensus and show you the Kyabazinga, my work is to advise where necessary," Museveni noted.

The Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga

The speaker called upon all people of Busoga to stop politicizing cultural issues. Kadaga who is also the Woman Member of Parliament for Kamuli district and chairperson Busoga Parliamentary Forum says culture is universal to all people irrespective of political and other affiliations. She said MPs from Busoga sub-region have streamlined ways and strategies of promoting tourism as one sure way of empowering the region out of absolute poverty. "Let us all desist from engaging in political wrangles and internal bickering that has sunk the region into poverty. Busoga is endowed with a rich cultural and traditional heritage that once exploited fully, will not only generate revenue for our region and our people, but also bring about real socio-economic development in our area," she noted. Busoga is blessed with a number of heritage sites including Iyingo, Kagulu hills, Budumbula shrines, Bugonza Christian martyrs shrine and Bishop Hannington Memorial site among others which can attract tourists in the region She however attracted applauses from the enthusiastic revelers who shouted, "Time is now, show us the legitimate Kyabazinga"

The chairman organizing committee and Member of Parliament for

Kigulu North Edward Balidawa Kafufu says that if Busoga's tourism potential is fully tapped, the region will develop rapidly. "There are many endowments that not even our hereditary chiefs had thought of and this is the open opportunity for them to be known across the globe," Kafufu noted. He says says the expo is aimed at popularizing tourism and cultural sites in Busoga in order to promote more visitors in the region. Balidawa says tourism in Busoga should be improved to compete with other regions in Uganda. This can only be achieved if the cultural norms, practices and sites in Busoga are made known to the world. The Expo has attracted exhibitors from the 11 chiefdoms of Busoga. Each of the chiefdoms is expected to have a stall to showcase the different tourist attractions in their areas. The sites will be shown through recorded videos, pictures and written literature. Some of the tourists will pay and travel to cultural sites in Busoga. Some of the cultural sites that are less known by people are the six hills which the Basoga have strong cultural attachment to. These are Mawembe, Nenda, Mpumwiire, Kagulu, Igenge and Busoga hills. Others are Iyingo landing site where the first Musoga Chief known as Mukama lived after he came from Bunyoro. They also want to promote St. Gonzaga Martyrs Shrine in Kaliro and Bishop Hannington Memorial site in Mayuge. Hannington, a British missionary was killed in Busoga in the late 18th century on the orders of Buganda King Mwanga II.

Busoga Expo 2012

Dates: 12th - 15th December Venue: Jinja S.S Grounds Theme: My Busoga, My Heritage, My Uganda Organizers: Busoga Parliamentary Group Convener: Rt. Hon. Rebecca A. Kadaga, Speaker of Parliament Objective: To celebrate Busoga's cultural heritage, trace the industrial life of Busoga, highlight and awaken Busoga's tourism potential

Busoga Expo 2012 Background

The expo was in two parts: the first two days (12th -13th) will was for entirely exhibition while the following days were for both exhibition and discussion workshops.

The eleven cultural Clans exhibited their regalia and totem symbolisms Selected industries in Jinja also exhibited their long journey in Jinja's life. Religious groups exhibited their story in Busoga's life Hoteliers in Jinja also exhibited what they offer Tour and Travel companies showcased their services Different communities that have lived in Busoga over years such as the Nubians, Asians, etc.. exhibited their unique culture

The expo was officially opened on 14th December by the Rt. Hon. Speaker with a key note speech. There after a series of speeches and presentations were made before groups could break up into workshop formats for the remaining days. On the 13th December, an entourage of Busoga leaders and the Tourism industry players officially launched the Busoga Tourism Circuit on a one day tourism trip to Busoga sites. Departure was from Jinja. S.S at 9.00am on 13th At the expo on 14th and 15th there were a series of presentations made as follows:

Dr. Andrew Seguya the Executive Director of Uganda Wild Life Authority on Status of Tourism in Uganda. Mr. Amos Wekesa the Chairperson of Uganda Tourism Association on Busoga's tourism potential. Dr. Peter Ngategize of Competitiveness and Investment Climate Secretariat on Busoga's Competitiveness in the tourism industry. Mr. Roni Madhvani former Chairman of Uganda Tourism Board on Busoga's Tourism Opportunities. Prof. Wasswa Balunywa on Busoga's drive for socio economic transformation. A digital presentation of the sights and sounds of Busoga.

Workshops:

The objective was to catalyze the participants to concretize on the vision for Busoga Tourism potential. These discussions were able to generate areas of critical importance that require intervention and also pointed out the kind of intervention needed. They also highlighted the kind of interventions the local leaders at various levels need to make in order to enable spur tourism in Busoga. A report was synthesized and presented to the H.E the President by the Rt. Hon. Speaker on the last day 15th December. The Expo was closed by the President.
Exhibition at the Expo

A number of companies and stakeholders both from Busoga and Kampala were invited to exhibit at the expo. The 11 hereditary chiefs also exhibit the cultural and traditional heritage of Busoga. Up to 10 local cultural music groups were at hand to perform through the period of the expo
Steering Committee:

A steering committee of 10 MPs from Busoga coordinated the activities and preparations of the expo with the critical and central role played by SPA-Political Naava Nabagesera (Presidential initiative on Sustainable Tourism) coordinator. .

About Busoga Expo

The Busoga Expo 2012 was held in Jinja from the 12th to 15th December, it brought together various levels of society and stakeholders in Busoga. The objective of the expo is to create awareness and awaken people's recognition of Busoga's cultural, historical heritage and the enromous natural endowement that the region has. During this time, the leaders of Busoga launched the Busoga tourism circuit which will subsquently be marketed by the entire tourism industry in Uganda. There was exhibitions of Busoga's unique cultural heritage and the Busoga's hidden tourism attractions. There were discussions on how this vibrant potential can be harnessed to not only create wealth but also to bring about sustainable socio-economic transformation in the region. Since this was the first ever such expo in Busoga.

History of Busoga
Busoga is a traditional Bantu kingdom in present-day Uganda. It is a cultural institution that promotes popular participation and unity among the people of Busoga, through cultural and developmental programs for the improved livelihood of the people of Busoga. It strives for a united people of Busoga, who enjoy economic, social and cultural prosperity. It also continues to enhance, revamp and pave the way for an efficient institutional and A map of Busoga Kingdom and some of its districts management system for the Kyabazinga kingship.
The Busoga Flag

Busoga, literally translated to Land of the

Soga, is the kingdom of the 11 principalities of the Basoga/Soga (singular Musoga) people. The term Busoga also loosely refers to the area that is generally indigenous to the Basoga. The kingdom's capital is located in Bugembe, which is near Jinja, the second largest city in Uganda. As of June 2007, Busoga Kingdom is composed of eight politically organised districts: Kamuli, Iganga, Bugiri, Mayuge, Jinja, and the newly created districts of Kaliro and Busiki (luuka district). Each district is headed by democratically elected chairpersons or Local Council Five, while municipalities are headed by an elected mayor. Jinja is the industrial and economical hub of Busoga. The Busoga area is bounded on the north by the swampy Lake Kyoga which separates it from Lango, on the west by the Victoria Nile which separates it from Buganda, on the south byLake Victoria which separates it from Tanzania and Kenya, and on the east by the Mpologoma River, which separates it from various smaller tribal groups (Padhola, Bugwere, Bugisu, etc.). Busoga also includes some islands in Lake Victoria, such as Buvuma Island.

The Kyabazinga

Busoga is ruled by the Isebantu Kyabazinga of Busoga. This name was a symbol of unity derived from the expression and recognition by the Basoga that their leader was the "father of all people who brings all of them together", and who also serves as their cultural leader. In 1995, the government restored monarchies in Uganda with the promulgation of the new constitution of the Republic of Uganda; Article 246(1). On February 11, 1996,[1] His Royal Highness Henry Wako Muloki was reinstated as Kyabazinga Isebantu of Busoga. He served until Monday, 1 September 2008, when he finally succumbed to esophageal cancer at the Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, at the age of 87. In a condolence message, Y.K Museveni, the president of Uganda described Muloki as "a great cultural leader and father" who was "generous and kind". Since his re-installation on 11 February 1996,[1] Muloki had been a unifying factor in Busoga, the President noted. "The Government has had the privilege of working with Isebantu Muloki in developing our nation". Referring to the Kyabazinga as "a strong pillar", Museveni said although Busoga was one of the youngest kingdoms, under the leadership of Muloki, it had become strong. "Uganda mourns not only one of her esteemed traditional leaders but a national who put development and the welfare of the people of Busoga at the helm of his reign", Museveni added. The achievements of Muloki include special programmes initiated for girl-child education, for the youth and for the elderly and the disadvantaged.
Early contact with European explorers

Written history begins for Busoga in the year 1862. On 28 July 1862, John Hanning Speke, an explorer for the Royal Geographical Society, arrived at Ripon Falls, near the site of the modern town of Jinja, where the Victoria Nile spills out of Lake Victoria and begins its descent to Egypt. Since Speke's route inland from the East African coast had taken him around the southern end of the Lake Victoria, he approached Busoga from the west through Buganda. Having reached his goal the source of the Nile, he turned northward and followed the river downstream without further exploring Busoga. He records, however, being told that "Usoga" (the Swahili form of the name "Busoga") was an "island", which indicates that the term meant to surrounding peoples essentially what it means today. The present day Busoga Kingdom was, and still is, bounded on the north by the swampy Lake Kyoga, on the west by the Victoria Nile, on the south by Lake Victoria, and on the east by the Mpologoma River.

Early demographics

In the 19th century, one of the principal routes along which Europeans travelled from the coast to Buganda passed through the southern part of Busoga. From John Speke and James Grant, Sir Gerald Portal, F.D Lugard, J.R. Macdonald, and Bishop Tucket all noted that Busoga was plentifully supplied with food and was densely settled as a result. However, between 189899 and 190001, the first indications of sleeping sickness were reported.

In 1906, orders were issued to evacuate the region. Despite the attempts to clear the area, the epidemic continued in force until 1910. As a result, most of the densely populated parts of Busoga, the homeland of over 200,000 persons in the 19th Century, was totally cleared of the population in the ten years. Lubas palace at Bukaleba, also the coveted European fruit mission, collapsed and relocated to other parts of Busoga. Southern Busoga constituted of about one third of the land area of Busoga, and, in 1910, southern Busoga was vacant. In the 1920s and 1930s, some of the evacuees who survived the epidemic began to return to their original land. However, in 1940 a new outbreak of sleeping sickness resurfaced in the area, and it was only in 1956 that resettlement, promoted by the government began again, but things were not going to be the same again. Few Basoga returned to their traditional lands.

The consequences of the catastrophe were that the Southern part of Busoga, the area roughly corresponding to what Johnston delimited as the most densely populated area, was virtually uninhabited. Other areas originally affected by sleeping sickness, including the eastern margins of Bukooli and Busiki counties were evidently depopulated too. Famines, too, resulted in substantial population movements. Several areas in north east Busoga and in the adjacent Bukandi district across the Mpologoma river were repeatedly struck by famines in 1898 to 1900, 1907, 1908, 1917, 1918 and 1944. Populations in these areas reduced, many people, falling victims to the famines while the survivors moved to other areas for safety. The effects of these movements were apparent from the growth in population density in the central area of Busoga and in urban and peri-urban areas of Busoga. Many Basoga left Busoga in the same period, settling in other districts. The demographic profile of Busoga today is, as a consequence of all these developments. Today, Busoga is home to many people, of about 6 different origins.

Early economic status

In the pre-colonial era, people left their traditional lands and state structures disappeared. A number of clans and states decimated and people migrated into Busoga in large numbers in this century, carrying with them the traditions and cultures of other lands. The most important causes of these movements were mainly famines and epidemics, which occurred within and the surrounding areas. Busoga experienced massive movement of people right from the early period that led to its construction as a nation. Several factors contributed to the trend of events. They included mainly factors ranging from famine and security. Today, these factors continue to affect and define the population mobility in the kingdom, in addition to the quest for employment and social amenities. The changes in the demographical trends have continued to witness a population influx in urban and peri-urban areas of Busoga kingdom for the above reasons. Towns like Jinja, Iganga, Kamuli,Kaliro, and their surrounding areas are some of the areas that continue to face high levels of immigration. Immigrants join town life in search for jobs and security. Between 1920 and the 1970s, Jinja, Busogas capital city, experienced economic changes and gained in economic importance. During this period, it transformed into an industrial town with the steady high cotton production, as well as the completion of the Uganda Railway and Owen Falls dam. These factors elevated Jinja into an agri-industrial centre with over 46 factories, several cottage industries and a well-developed infrastructure. These developments attracted people in the form of labour from the rural areas of Busoga to work in those factories, help in housekeeping or in doing other urban development related activities. Externally, many people also came from the neighbouring areas outside Busoga. Among the newcomers were families of Asian origin who came to do business. Estates like Mpumudde and Walukuba were developed to accommodate the increasing population. Other services like piped water, electricity, roads, hospitals and schools were also extended to serve the population. In the villages, the majority of people, with the assured market in towns, concentrated on agriculture. They grew both cash and food crops like cotton, coffee, bananas, potatoes and cassava, fruits and vegetables. Standards of living drastically improved and Busoga kingdom raised its revenue and constructed more infrastructures. It reduced the subsistence farming system of life and turned to real economic production that was in demand by Europeans. By independence in 1962, Busoga was one of the most powerful regions in Uganda. Its power lay in the regional capital, Jinja which is Ugandas second largest city. Jinja was the home to 70% of Uganda's industries and also hosted the Nalubaale Power Station (Owen Falls Dam) that supplies electricity to Uganda and parts of Kenya and Tanzania. Jinja was also the home of the majority of Uganda's Asian population. The Ugandan Asians, who had been brought to Uganda from the Indian sub-continent by the British during colonial times, had helped to establish Jinja as one of East Africas most vibrant commercial centres.

Early political status

About the turn of the 16th century, an important event took place, which was to give the Basoga their peculiar cultural configuration. This was the advent of the Baisengobi clan, who bear their historical descendancy from Bunyoro. Prince Mukama Namutukula from the royal family (Babiito) of Bunyoro is said to have left Bunyoro around the 16th century and as part of Bunyoros expansionist policy and trekked eastwards across Lake Kyoga with his wife Nawudo, a handful of servants, arms and a dog, and landed at Lyingo, located at the northern point of Busoga in the present day Kamuli District. Prince Mukama loved hunting and his adventures exposed him to the beauties of the new found land. For some time he engaged himself in blacksmithing, making hoes, iron utensils and spears. Prince Mukama and wife Nawudo bore several children of whom only five boys survived. On his departure back to Bunyoro, Prince Mukama allocated them areas within his influence as overseers. In this way, the first-born Wakoli was given to oversee the area called Bukooli, Zibondo was to administer Bulamogi, Ngobi was given Kigulu, Tabingwa was to oversee Luuka, while the youngest son Kitimbo was to settle in Bugabula. These loosely allotted areas of supervision to the Princes sons were later to become major administrative and centers cultural authority in Busoga. With time passing without the expected return of their father, the five sons of Prince Mukama regarded themselves as the legitimate rulers over their respective areas by virtue of their family origin (Babiito). They continued to preside over their respective dominions; employing governing methods and cultural rituals like those from Bunyoro-Kitara. This state of affairs in Busoga's political and cultural arrangement continued till the late 19th century when the colonialists persuaded the rulers of Busoga into some form of federation. This federation resulted into a regional Busoga council called Busoga Lukiiko. Before 1906, although it was often called a Kingdom, it was debatable whether Busoga could really be classified as such. Unlike its western neighbor, Buganda, Busoga did not have a central all-powerful figurehead (King or Queen) until 1906, at the behest of the British colonial powers. Prior to this, the Basoga were organized in semi-autonomous chiefdoms, partly under the influence of Bunyoro initially, and then later on, under the partial influence of Buganda. Before the coming of the British to Uganda, there was no uniting leadership in Busoga. When Uganda became a British protectorate, attempts were made to create a central form of administration on the model of Buganda which was a fully fledged kingdom. The Buganda King the Kabaka had lineage going back centuries. However, in Busoga some of the chiefs had been simply appointed by the Kabaka and it is believed that in some cases they were descendants of favored Baganda chiefs who were given authority to rule over land in Busoga. Others simply belonged to powerful landowning families in Busoga that had become selfappointed rulers over vast areas. The British brought all these chiefs into an administrative structure called the Lukiiko. The British appointed a Muganda from Buganda, Semei Kakungulu as the President of the Lukiiko and he became Busogas first leader, although the British refused to give him the title of 'King', as they did not regard him as a real king.

Past Kyabazingas

Obwa Kyabazinga bwa Busoga has evolved over years and each Kyabazinga that has presided over Busoga has added a piece to the process. To date, there have been three past Kyabazingas who have presided over Busoga since 1939 as an established federated state of Busoga. These have been:- Chief Ezekiel Tenywa Wako, who was the first Kyabazinga of Busoga and ascended to the throne in 1939: Yosia Nadiope, and Sir William Wilberforce Nadiope Kadhumbula. Sir William Wilberforce Kadhumbula succeeded his late fathers (Yosia Nadiope) quick sense of judgement and love for the people. He ridded the kingdom of insecurity; eliminating bad elements in society in the famous operation named Emizindula (war against theft), ended the British policy on the fight against smallpox (Kawumpuli), during which residents were ordered to carry rat tails to Busoga square for counting as evidence that they had really killed the diseases agents (rats). This, he saw as a dehumanising act and joined his subjects to denounce the policy, which brought him in conflict with the British administration. As a result he was exiled to Bunyoro where he was called to lead the Basoga into the Second World War. His war skills and mobilisation ability earned him Queen Elizabeth's admiration and love. He was honoured with the title Sir among other awards. He also played a big role in Uganda's independence struggle and before the end of his career, he had served as the first Vice President of the independent Uganda. He was also the Chairman of Uganda People's Congress political party (UPC). He mobilised for the construction of infrastructures like roads, hospitals, government centres like county and sub-county headquarters and most of all mobilising the Basoga to productive farming of both food and crops. During his tenure of office doubling as the Vice President, Kyabazinga and UPC Chairman, he managed to push for several development projects in Busoga that include construction of schools like the Balangira High School, which later became Busoga College Mwiri.

ATTRACTION SITES IN BUSOGA

Kagulu Hill
Kagulu Hill in Buyende is a mystical wonder to see. This rock marks the

first settlement area for Basoga of Bunyoro origin led by Prince Mukama. Although the cultural value of Kagulu extends to cover a wide area, the remaining and visible landmark is the Kagulu hill. The hill sits in between two roads that divide at the foothill to lead to Gwaya and Iyingo. The hill, although not yet familiar to many people outside Busoga, Kagulu hill has a breathtaking scenery that gives a clear view of almost the entire Busoga. Kagulu hill is unique in the attractions it offers. It is the only hill in Uganda that has been adapted for tourist climbing, with constructed steps to make it easy for visitors to access the top. on the top of the hill are unique vegetation, fauna and crater lakes which are "a must see" to any visitor to the area.

The source of the Nile

The source of the Nile, the second longest river in the world, marked by the ?discovery of one of the first European explorers, John Speke, is an internationally ?unique attraction. The tranquility and splendour of both Lake Victoria and River Nile embody great memories of any visitor.? The source of the Nile can be accessed from both the eastern bank where Jinja town centre lies and the western bank where the Speke Monument (from where John Speke viewed the Ripon Falls - 1862) & Source of the Nile gardens lie. On the eastern side of the Nile lies the Muhatma Gandhi monument and a big tablet written on facts about the Source of River Nile. Boat and canoes are available to cruise the river at both banks and the operator offer rides at negotiable fees starting from Ush5,000+.

Lake Victoria

With a surface area of 68,800 square kilometres (26,600 sq mi), Lake Victoria is Africas largest lake by area, and it is the largest tropical lake in the world. Lake Victoria is the world's 2nd largest freshwater lake by surface area; only Lake Superior in North America is larger. In terms of its volume, Lake Victoria is the world's ninth largest continental lake, and it contains about 2,750 cubic kilometers (2.2 billion acre-feet) of water.

Budhumbula shrine/palace
The site comprises a shrine and the residence of the former Kyabazinga of Busoga, Sir William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Nadiope, who died in 1976. The shrine, covered ?by beautiful marbles consist of graves of other various members of the royal family, ?such his father and mother, Yosia Nadiope and Nasikombi respectively.?

Ghandi's Shrine in Uganda

Ghandi's Shrine in Uganda? It comes as a bit of a surprise, doesn't is? Well, there really is Ghandi's Shrine in Uganda, near the Source of the Nile. Upon Ghandi's death in 1948, his ashes were divided up and sent to many locations around the world to be scattered, and some ended up in the Nile River at Jinja.

Near the source of the Nile plaque is a small memorial garden commemorating Mahatma Ghandi, the centerpiece is a bronze bust donated by the Indian government. The place is becoming a pilgrimage site for Ugandan Indians.