Uganda is indeed the Pearl of Africa, a description popularised by Winston Churchill in 1908 because of the country’s natural beauty, hospitality and wealth. Within this Pearl lies the Kigezi Sub-region, fondly referred to as the Switzerland of Africa because of its cool climate, misty rolling hills, terraced mountains and hardworking people.
At the heart of this Switzerland of Africa lies our own Kanungu District.
For more than two decades, Kanungu was associated with one dark chapter in Uganda’s history: the tragedy involving Joseph Kibwetere and the Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments, whose members died in a fire on March 17, 2000.
That tragedy left Kanungu with a painful stigma. Whenever we introduced ourselves outside the district, one of the questions we encountered was: “Is that the place of Kibwetere?”
But our story is not meant to remain defined by tragedy.
God is in the business of changing names, restoring dignity and rewriting stories.
The Biblical Pattern: When God Changes a name, He changes a Destiny
During an interview at my office in Kihihi Town Council, I shared this conviction with a reporter: God does not call you what people call you; He calls you what He created you to be.
The Bible gives us several examples of people whose identities and assignments changed through new names.
Abram became Abraham (Genesis 17:5), signalling a destiny that would extend beyond an individual to become the father of many nations.
Sarai became Sarah (Genesis 17:15), reflecting a new chapter in her life and her role as the mother of nations and kings.
Jacob became Israel (Genesis 32:28; 35:10). His encounter at Peniel marked a turning point, and his new identity became associated with the nation that would emerge from him.
Simon became Peter, or Cephas (John 1:42; Matthew 16:18), as Jesus gave him a new identity and a significant role among His followers.
Saul became Paul (Acts 13:9), and his life and mission took a dramatically different direction after his encounter with Christ.
Hoshea was renamed Joshua by Moses (Numbers 13:16), a name that means “The Lord saves”. Joshua would later lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.
Solomon was also given the name Jedidiah by Prophet Nathan (2 Samuel 12:25), meaning “beloved of the Lord”.
The biblical pattern is clear: names can carry meaning, identity and destiny.
For me, this is the story of Kanungu.
From Shame to Glory: Kanungu’s New identity
Today, Kanungu cannot be reduced to the tragedy of 2000. Our district has a remarkable natural and economic heritage that deserves to be known and celebrated.
Kanungu, The Home of Gorillas
Kanungu is home to part of the world-famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, particularly in the Kayonza and Mpungu areas.
The ancient forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most important habitats for mountain gorillas. The presence of these endangered primates gives Kanungu a tourism asset of global significance.
Kanungu, The Home of Climbing lions
In the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kanungu is also associated with one of the world’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles: tree-climbing lions.
Visitors can witness these lions resting on the branches of giant fig trees, an unusual behaviour that has attracted researchers, filmmakers and tourists from around the world.
This is a natural wonder on our doorstep.
Kanungu, the home of minerals
Kanungu also has significant mineral potential.
As the Deputy Resident District Commissioner responsible for supervising mining compliance, I have had the opportunity to interact with the sector and observe its potential.
The district has reported gold deposits in areas including Kanoni Hill, Kayungwe, Kanyashogye, Kayonza, Matanda and Muramba.
There are also iron ore deposits in Butogota and deposits of the so-called 3Ts — tungsten (wolfram), tin and tantalum-bearing minerals — alongside beryl and other minerals.
The opportunity before us is to ensure that this mineral wealth is developed responsibly, transparently and in a way that benefits local communities and the wider economy.
Kanungu is no longer Hard to Reach
For many years, poor road connectivity was one of the challenges that limited access to Kanungu and its tourism potential.
That story is changing.
I move across the district regularly, and I have witnessed significant improvements in road infrastructure.
The Kampala-Kanungu route through Nyamirama and Kihihi has improved connectivity, while the Rukungiri-Kihihi-Ishasha-Kanungu corridor has opened up greater opportunities for tourism, trade and investment.
The district is also increasingly able to accommodate visitors, with hotels and lodges such as Savannah Resort Hotel in Kihihi, Meizimera Eco Resort, Goro Hotels, Chameleon Hill Lodge and Bwindi lodges serving tourists and other visitors.
Air transport has also improved access to the area. Travellers can use scheduled and chartered flights from Entebbe and Kajjansi to Kihihi Airstrip, providing a faster connection to the district and the Bwindi tourism circuit.
A call to the diaspora and the nation
This transformation should not only be a source of pride. It should also be a source of opportunity.
Uganda’s tourism sector has enormous economic potential, and Kanungu is strategically positioned to benefit from that potential because of its wildlife, scenery, culture and investment opportunities.
Therefore, to the Banyabutumbi, Bakiga, Bahororo and Bafumbira sons and daughters of Kanungu living in Kampala, Wakiso, Mbarara, Nairobi, Kigali, London, the United States, Canada and elsewhere in the world, this is my personal appeal as your Deputy Resident District Commissioner:
Do not allow outsiders to define the story of your homeland.
The painful chapter of our past should be remembered, but it should not become the permanent identity of Kanungu.
Come home.
Bring your children to see the gorillas. Bring your friends to see the climbing lions. Explore our landscape, support local businesses and discover the opportunities available in tourism, agriculture, mining and other sectors.
If you have the means, consider investing in a lodge, responsible mineral development, commercial agriculture or other enterprises that can create employment and wealth for local communities.
Domestic tourism should begin with knowing and appreciating our own country.
Know your country. Love your country. Enjoy your country. Tell a positive and truthful story about your country.
Kanungu has a new chapter to write, and its people must be part of writing it.
My office in Kihihi, Kanungu, remains open to diaspora members and other Ugandans who wish to visit, invest or explore opportunities in the district. As government, we must continue working to provide an environment in which tourism, investment and responsible development can thrive.
From the home of Kibwetere to the home of gorillas, climbing lions and minerals, Kanungu’s story is changing.
Let us remember our past, learn from it and, most importantly, build a future that gives the next generation a different story to tell.
For God and My Country.
The writer, Dr Ahimbisibwe Gad Rugaju, PhD, is the Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Kanungu District.
