105-Year-Old Woman Halts Busoga Kingdom Tourist Site Plan
In a remarkable act of preservation, a 105-year-old woman named Rosalia Nakirya has single-handedly halted a proposed tourist site development within the sacred Busoga Kingdom in Uganda. Nakirya, a lifelong resident of the kingdom, has owned and lived on a piece of land within the proposed site for over 50 years. When she learned of plans to construct a lodge and other tourist amenities on her land, she refused to sell, citing its historical and cultural significance. The proposed tourist site is located within the Mpologoma Hill area, which is known for its ancient royal burials and cultural rituals. According to Nakirya, her family has played a vital role in these traditions for generations, and building a tourist site would desecrate the sacred grounds. “This land is not just a place to live,” Nakirya said. “It holds the memories and legacy of our ancestors. It’s a place where spirits and rituals connect us to the past and the future.” Nakirya’s unwavering stance has resonated with local communities. Many residents have expressed support for her decision, recognizing the importance of preserving their cultural heritage. The Busoga Kingdom officials have also acknowledged her concerns and have suspended the development plans indefinitely. The halt of the tourist site development has sparked a broader conversation about the balance between economic growth and cultural preservation in Uganda. Tourism is a major driver of the country’s economy, but many argue that it should not be at the expense of sacred sites and traditions. Nakirya’s courageous stand has become a symbol of the power of individuals to protect their cultural identity. As the world grapples with the challenges of preserving heritage in the face of modernization, her story serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the enduring value of our past.105-Year-Old Woman Protests Busoga Kingdom’s Plan to Designate Her Land as Tourist Attraction
105-Year-Old Woman Protests Busoga Kingdom’s Plan to Designate Her Land as Tourist Attraction
A 105-year-old woman from Namutumba district has strongly opposed the Busoga Kingdom’s plan to designate her rock site as a tourist attraction without her consent. Eunike Kiire, a resident of Bugobi Town Council, has voiced her opposition to the launch of her rock site at Lugulu Village in Bugobi Rural Sub-County on June 15. Kiire claims that the cultural leaders responsible for tourism promotion never approached or consulted her before making the decision. She expressed concern that the site, which is her family’s only source of income, would be taken away from them without their consent. Her relatives have also expressed their support for her stance, promising to prevent the launch from proceeding without their involvement. The LC1 area president, Samuel Makaka, confirmed that the land belongs to Kiire, who has owned it for over 50 years. He raised concerns that the organizers failed to consult the landowners, calling it a form of land grab. The district resident commissioner, Thomas Matende, ordered Chief Yolorimu Nabongo, responsible for identifying the site, to contact the family before any development took place. However, Nabongo did not comply with the directive. Matende confirmed receiving complaints and ordered Nabongo to suspend preparations until a consensus is reached. Chief Nabongo acknowledged the complaints and promised to withdraw from the site. He stated that the launch cannot proceed amid objections. The Busoga Kingdom Tourism Minister, Helen Namutamba, confirmed that the site will be excluded from the launch and that they will proceed with inaugurating other tourist sites in the area.
Elderly Woman Blocks Busoga Kingdom Tourist Site Plan
A 105-year-old woman has halted plans by the Busoga Kingdom to develop a tourist site on her land. The woman, identified as Nakawunde Koli, claims that the land has been in her family for generations and that she has no intention of selling it. The kingdom, on the other hand, argues that the land is needed for the development of a cultural center that will promote tourism in the region. Koli has refused to budge, despite pressure from the kingdom and local authorities. She has threatened to take legal action if her land is taken from her. The standoff has divided the community, with some residents supporting K heritage, while others believe that the land should be used for development. The Busoga Kingdom is one of the most powerful traditional kingdoms in Uganda. It is ruled by the Kyabazinga, who is the hereditary ruler of the Busoga people. The kingdom has been working to promote tourism in the region, and the development of a cultural center on Koli’s land was seen as a key part of those plans. However, Koli’s refusal to sell her land has thrown a spanner in the works. The kingdom is now considering other options for the development of the cultural center.