Tel: 256 774 096 267, +256 774 096 267.
Email: info@busia-mc.go.ug

TOURISM IN BUSIA

Tourism In Busia Municipality
Tourism, is mostly defined as the activity of people traveling and staying in places outside their usual environment for leisure, Business and recreation purposes while making use of the provision of commercial services and infrastructure that support the activities they engage in during their stay or movement.
 
With the Aim of positioning Busia Municipal Council as a premier tourist destination, its viability is evidenced through its Location which is a strategic geographical position/site at the boarder   providing access for regional and international markets especially between Kenya and Uganda as a major source of foreign exchange earnings, tourism boosts Busia’s balance of payments and fosters economic diversification.

Mandate

To formulate and implement policies, strategies, plans, and programs to that promote tourism, wild life, cultural heritage conservation for socio – economic development and transformation of the country.

Vision

 A sustainable tourism, wild life, cultural heritage contributing to the transformation of the Ugandan society from a peasant to a modern and prosperous one.

Mission

To develop and promote tourism, wildlife and heritage resources for enhancement of Uganda as a preferred tourist destination, with accelerated sector contribution to the national economy.

Tourism opportunities for Busia Municipal Council.

Busia should position herself to tap into the opportunities offered by the various tourism classifications such as Leisure Tourism, Business Tourism, Cultural Tourism, Adventure Tourism, Sports Tourism, Religious Tourism Eco- Tourism and travel industry to enhance competitiveness of our products and Busia as a preferred Tourism destination.

The opportunities Busi Municipal council provides include; –

  • Unique Location, Busia is a strategic geographical position/site at the boarder providing access for regional and international markets especially between Kenya and Uganda.
  • Virgin Market, this provides potential to add value to the existing tourism products, diversify & develop more products, and undertake evidence-based marketing in key tourism source markets.
  • Business Tourism, especially our cash cow of cereal trade, Accommodation among others is a Tourism vehicle which can generate revenue and employment with high Return on Investment (ROI) if regulated

Culture, Heritage or History Tourism.

This involves traveling to experience and learn about culture, customs, traditional festivals and events. Busia being a multi-cultural environment provides a greater understanding and appreciation of different cultures and histories. An example is the Omwenengo Palace, Festivals like Ebodi, omwaro, Egalabi and Ajura. Egalabi and Ajura.

The major traditional dances are owaro, ekworo, eboodi and esikudi. The eboodi and ekworo are love dances. Owaro and esikudi are performed when people are happy. In the early days, marriage would be arranged without active involvement of

The Engalabi is commonly used by Ugandan the Basamia. It is featured in musical festivals, dance performances, and serves as a means of conveying messages during traditional ceremonies. For instance, it is played throughout the night during the “Oluganyo“ ceremony, loosely translated as “Attending the funeral,” and during twin initiation rituals. It is also used by Ugandan music producers in music production and in

Religious Tourism.

Today Uganda stands at 45.9 million people and 99.8% subscribe to some form of religion with 37.4% catholic,32% Anglican,30.0% Muslim,13% Pentecostal ,14.7% Seventh Day Adventist 1.7%1, 0.2% non-believer. (Census 2024 UBOS) Religious tourism is a niche in Uganda’s Tourism Business, in early stages of developing with minimal attention from industry players. This remains fragmented leaving an unmanifested travel product that requires a powerful spiritual touch. Busia has religious sites to include the sects mentioned above which signifies the role each faith plays in the spiritual life of Ugandans.

St. John Anglican Church of Uganda Found in the Eastern Region of the country, In Bukedi Diocese, Samia Bugwe-Busia. – Religious Tourism.

One stop border post

One stop border post, Busia facilitates trade and movement of people across borders i.e. Uganda to Kenya and visa vie. A one stop border point reduces the time tourist spend crossing borders between countries, allowing tourists more time exploring the municipality, ultimately boosting tourism numbers by making travel more convenient and appealing. It also provides for establishment for a one stop cultural center in Busia Municipal Council for the different e ethnic groups.

Busia one stop border point with a seamless crossing experience.

Sports Tourism/Wellness & health Clubs

With Uganda having unemployment rate at 12.3%According to UBOS 2024 report for youth between 12-24 years, it is viable if we invested in sports such as football, cycling, running to promote adventure sports, generate revenue and make the youth productive through Marathons and keep the mind of the adult’s health.

Festivals

These include music, dances and Foods.

Existing tourism attractions have not been fully developed, limiting their potential to generate revenue and employment. There has been notable investment the “Omwenengo” Palace tourism site. For instance: the road connectivity. However, there are inadequacies in terms of accommodation facilities, electricity, ICT, water, and safety.