By Our Reporters
H.E. Maj Jessica Alupo (Rtd) has cautioned the people of Teso against the destruction of tourism sites, emphasizing their potential to create employment opportunities and generate revenue for both Teso and Uganda as a whole. She delivered this warning while officiating at the World Museum Day on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Soroti City, under the global theme “Museums for Education and Research.”
“I would like to caution the people of the Teso region that the act of community-inspired destruction of Kapir Rock Art is criminal. Apart from being a treasure trove of Rock Art, the Kapir site in Ngora District offers a panoramic view of the entire Teso region, providing an exceptional vista where one can observe the entirety of Teso in 360 degrees. It boasts high potential for birdwatching, particularly within the Opeta-Bisina wetland system. Additionally, Kapir offers clear views of Akisum in Napak, featuring rock paintings dating back approximately 5,000 years and archaeological artifacts indicating human habitation in the Teso region between 3,000 to 8,000 years ago,” stated the VP.
According to the Vice President, the paintings in Kipir are a valuable treasure with immense potential to attract tourists from around the world and generate substantial revenues. She stressed that the loss of any piece of Rock Art translates to long-term revenue loss for communities and future generations. The government has thus prioritized the nomination of rock art sites in eastern Uganda as UNESCO World Heritage sites, alongside others in the Lake Victoria region of Kenya and Tanzania.
In the same vein, H.E. Jessica Alupo implored all the people of Teso, politicians, RDCs, and security organs to collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism to develop and promote tourism products for the benefit of all Ugandans.
The Vice President emphasized that museums are vital components of our shared social fabric, uniquely positioned to create a cascading effect to foster positive change. Additionally, museums serve as dynamic educational hubs for nurturing curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, aligning seamlessly with the new Uganda secondary school curriculum.
“I am pleased that Uganda has adopted a curriculum that includes learning from our past. This year’s theme underscores the pivotal role of museums in providing a holistic educational experience, resonating powerfully with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 4.7 and SDG 9.5,” she added.
The Museums and Monuments Act 2023 promotes and guides public-private partnerships in the conservation of Uganda’s cultural and natural heritage resources. The government is committed to partnering with the private sector to tap into this untapped tourism potential.
During the celebrations, the Vice President urged the private sector to invest in the development of untapped tourism resources in the Teso region, such as Nyero, Mukongoro, Pian Upe, Kapir, and other heritage sites. There is an urgent need to develop Wanale Falls in the Elgon area, which is scenic and has the potential to attract numerous tourists. She called upon the private sector in new cities like Mbale, Lira, Arua, Soroti, and Fort Portal to develop accommodations, leisure, and sports facilities in museums to enable tourists to explore Uganda’s cultural heritage
