Kabale, a stunning district rich in natural beauty located in southwestern Uganda, has already received approval from Cabinet and Parliament to gain city status, yet progress is currently hindered by funding issues. Recognized as a key destination for natural tourism, Kabale boasts notable attractions such as Lake Bunyonyi and the historic White Horse Inn, which once hosted Microsoft founder Bill Gates and the late US President Jimmy Carter.
The hotel has also been the site for numerous important bilateral discussions between Uganda and Rwanda, solidifying its role as a center for tourism and regional diplomacy. With Uganda welcoming over 1.5 million visitors by mid-2025, stakeholders contend that granting Kabale full city designation could unlock essential investment, enhance hospitality facilities, and promote sustainable economic development in the region.
Tourists are increasingly curious about the delay in elevating the city to a premier tourism destination, given the green light has already been issued. The area’s strategic location and natural features should have positioned Kabale as a leading tourism hub in Uganda.
Ivan Mbabazi Batuma, the chairman of the Kigezi Tourism cluster, emphasizes that Kabale’s closeness to Rwanda and the presence of mountain gorillas contribute to its status as a tourism center.
“Kabale should have been named a city five years ago and recognized as a premier tourism city for Kigezi due to our proximity to Rwanda and an international airport. We are also the only region that is home to mountain gorillas,” stated Mbabazi Batuma.
During the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kabale-Lake Bunyonyi road, Hon Thomas Tayebwa, the deputy speaker of Parliament representing President Museveni, remarked that while Parliament has approved Kabale’s city status, funding remains a significant obstacle.
“Parliament completed its approval of Kabale’s city status, but the financial challenges are what continue to impede progress, and it’s not just an issue for Kabale,” added Tayebwa.
According to the city’s mayor, Sentaro Byamugisha, Kabale excels compared to other established cities. He indicated that they are prepared and already have several initiatives lined up to commence their city status. Furthermore, he mentioned that they possess certain advantages that some cities lack.
Jackson Twijukye, the manager at White Horse Inn, a three-star hotel, noted that they provide services catering to both local and international visitors. The hotel employs around 200 staff and significantly contributes to the local economy, especially the agricultural sector; however, it now faces high taxation, which Twijukye hopes could be reduced.
Thus, Kabale has the potential to emerge as one of Uganda’s leading cities in various aspects if funding becomes available.
