Awakening the sleeping giants: Reviving Kampala's hidden tourism gems

The sleeping giants of Kampala are waiting to be awakened. The question is, who will rise to the challenge and bring our heritage back to life? And when will that happen?

Amid the hustle and bustle of modern life in Kampala lie remnants of a rich history, long forgotten and neglected.

Fort Lugard, once a vibrant symbol of our heritage, now stands as a mere shadow of its former glory.

This fate has befallen many other historical sites in Kampala—silent giants that once played pivotal roles in our collective heritage.

As the city continues to advance, the question arises: Is it time to revive these sleeping giants and restore their place in our cultural narrative?

Built in the late 19th century, Fort Lugard was more than just a military stronghold; it was the birthplace of Kampala's urban journey and the cornerstone of colonial administration. This fort, which also served as a museum, was the nerve center of the British Protectorate of Uganda.

"Hotels used to be full of tourists; the fort was occupied by the Buganda Kingdom before President Idi Amin donated the land to the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council. Kampala had a guide who would take tourists around, and the colonial military used it as their headquarters. It was a prestigious symbol, important to the nation, attracting visitors," said Captain Francis Babu, a veteran politician.

"But political mismanagement and turmoil have affected tourism and led to the loss of our heritage. We no longer prioritize things of value," Babu added.

Jackline Besigye Nyirachiza, commissioner of museums and monuments at the Ministry of Tourism, acknowledges the current state of these sites.

"We have given the management of Fort Lugard to the Buganda Kingdom, but considering its former glory, it is not serving its purpose. We need to do a lot more," Nyirachiza said.

This iconic landmark, among others, was pivotal in shaping the city's identity. Yet, as the years have passed, these sites have faded from public consciousness and been left to deteriorate without the care they deserve.

It's not just Fort Lugard that suffers from neglect. The Uganda Museum, constructed in 1954, once a treasure trove of our cultural wealth, now struggles to attract visitors.

Namirembe Hill, the cradle of religious history in the region, has also lost much of its former glory. Uganda's symbolic Independence Monument, a site that defines the country's rebirth, appears neglected and forgotten.

The young generation's knowledge of these historical sites is questionable. Rejuvenating Kampala’s tourism industry and transforming these forgotten spaces into thriving cultural hubs could be the key to preserving our heritage.

"I've heard about Fort Lugard and the National Museum, but I don't know where they are or what they represent. We learned about these things in school, but I never hear leaders promote them or see tourists visiting. I'm 30 years old and have lived in Kampala all my life; we should be motivated to visit these sites," remarked Richard Kabuye, a resident of Old Kampala.

Captain Francis Babu insists that the government needs to invest resources in refurbishing these sites and rediscovering important artifacts to foster sustainable tourism.

"The government needs to set a budget for relevant authorities to develop these sites, engage archaeologists to discover essential attractions, and document them," Babu said.

He maintains that writing about and promoting valuable sites like Fort Lugard, the Uganda Museum, and the Independence Monument—despite political challenges—could attract more tourists and revive the industry.

Nyirachiza mentioned that the process of developing these cultural and historical sites is underway, citing the 10-month temporary closure of the Uganda Museum for renovation.

As Kampala evolves, it's easy to focus on the new and shiny, but what about the old and treasured? If revitalized, these sites could offer more than just historical insight—they could become vibrant centers of cultural exchange, attracting both tourists and locals.

Other cities across Africa have successfully transformed their neglected historical sites into thriving tourist attractions. From the Slave Castles of Ghana to the restored Kasbah of Algiers, the potential is clear.

The sleeping giants of Kampala are waiting to be awakened. The question is, who will rise to the challenge and bring our heritage back to life? And when will that happen?