The Kabale District Elders Forum has expressed strong concern over government delays in constructing aerodromes across the Kigezi sub-region, calling for urgent action to boost tourism and economic development.
The concerns were raised under the Kigezi Affirmative Action Development Agenda 2026–2031, contained in a memorandum addressed to President Yoweri Museveni and presented to members on Thursday at Kabale Municipal Council offices.
The elders said the absence or non-functionality of aerodromes in Butobere, Nyamiringa, and Batuma continues to limit regional connectivity and economic opportunities.
In 2016, President Museveni launched plans to construct the Can. Batuma Memorial Airstrip in Rubanda District, a project aimed at boosting tourism and reducing travel time to the Kigezi Region.
According to the Vice Chairperson of the Kabale District Elders Forum, Dr. Francis Mwesigye Runumi, the memorandum emphasizes that the strategic plan is a people-centred strategy for poverty eradication and inclusive growth.
Runumi added that the region still faces several development gaps, including the absence of modern stadiums and cultural centres, limited sports and talent incubation facilities, high youth unemployment, and skills mismatch.
He said addressing these challenges is key to fighting poverty.
Runumi further added that infrastructure such as aerodromes is essential to unlock tourism potential, create jobs, and accelerate economic transformation in the region.
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Emeritus Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi, Rt Rev. William Rukirande, also urged government to expedite construction of aerodromes and improve broader infrastructure to support tourism in the sub-region.
He noted that poverty remains deeply entrenched in remote and hilly areas due to limited industrialization, low skills absorption, weak cooperative systems, and minimal value addition to local resources.
He also expressed concern about increasing soil erosion and land fragmentation caused by poor farming practices.
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The proprietor of Acadia Cottages, Nicholas Byengoma, said tourism roads and aerodromes should be fast-tracked to improve household incomes in Kigezi.
He added that the decline of cooperative societies has left farmers fragmented and unable to access financing, aggregation, and better market prices.
Byengoma further called on government to expedite construction of cold storage facilities to improve post-harvest management of vegetables and increase export potential.
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Rubanda District Uganda People’s Congress Chairperson Obed Habasa said that while pushing for aerodromes, elders should also remind President Museveni to fulfill his 2015 pledge to construct the Kazigizigi Stadium, announced during National Women’s Day celebrations.
He said the stadium would help develop youth talent and promote sports.
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Meanwhile, during the 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations held in Kabale District, President Museveni reaffirmed government plans to upgrade Kisoro Airfield and construct a new international airport on land donated by Crown Beverages Limited Executive Chairman Amos Nzeyi in Kabale District.
The projects are part of government efforts to boost tourism and economic growth in Kigezi.
