Residents living around Lake Mutanda in Kisoro District have launched protests, voicing their frustration over being excluded from tourism revenue-sharing schemes. They argue that this exclusion is worsening their livelihoods and increasing tensions within the community.
The lake generates substantial income from tourism activities such as canoeing, boat rides, fishing, and swimming. However, locals claim they have not seen any tangible benefits from this revenue, despite their proximity to and involvement with the lake.
Ntabondimu Francis, the LC1 Chairperson of Taaba Village, emphasized the importance of fair revenue distribution. He argued that proper sharing mechanisms would not only improve the standard of living for local residents but also enhance community engagement and promote sustainable tourism practices.
CUE IN NTABONDIMU……ON REVENUE SHARING……RR//
Echoing these sentiments, Matsiko David, the LC2 Chairperson of Mbuga Parish, expressed frustration over what he described as persistent neglect by district authorities. He noted that many residents were previously evicted from the lake reserve, losing vital agricultural land in the process.
Matsiko believes that if revenue had been shared fairly, it could have mitigated the hardships caused by their displacement.
CUE IN MATSIKO…….ON REVENUE SHARING……RR//
However, John Nyakahuma, the Chief Administrative Officer of Kisoro District, defended the existing framework, explaining that sub-counties along Lake Mutanda do benefit from local service taxes, which indirectly support the community.
However, he clarified that these taxes are distinct from revenue-sharing schemes tied specifically to tourism earnings generated at lakeshore hotels and other facilities.
CUE IN NYAKAHUMA……ON REVENUE SHARING……ENG//
