By Sabir Musa

West Nile

The tourism sector in Madi sub region has been bugged down by high taxes and budget constraint. These challenges according to stakeholders is affecting development of the sector in the sub region where several tourism sites are located.

Moyo District Tourism Officer, Alex Kayola says, if adequate budget is allocated to the sector, many of the challenges would be addressed. “Things are not all that good for us but we know with time, our budget will be increased so that we can be able to solve these challenges through sensitizing the community about the purpose of tourism and training tour guides” he says.

Madi sub region in West Nile consists of Moyo, Obongi and Adjumani districts, all these have tourism sites ranging from cultural and natural, all these share similar challenges in developing the sector.

Aulogo Tours and Travel Chief Executive Officer, James Mundrugo reveals that, most tourism sites in the region lack visitors due to high taxes levied on tour operators which is affecting development of the sector. “These taxes on tour operators makes it difficult for us to also attain our goal of preaching the gospel of West Nile beauty to potential clients” the CEO stated, adding that they are forced to “hike cost of charges on tourists”.

Reports reveal that government has set aside funds for dealers in hospitality and tourism sector inform of grant as Covid-19 relief. Such opportunities according to Obongi District Tourism Officer, Elizabeth Amen may only benefit registered operators. “Many tour operators in the region have not fully formalized their systems, they have not fully registered to be recognized. So you find it is difficult to get such funds, kindly go through the right procedures of registration with Uganda Registration Bureau of Statistics (URSB)” Amen advised.

Madi Sub region is blessed with tourism activities like sports fishing, birding, mountain hiking and rock climbing among many others.

COVER PHOTO: Ferry docked at the bank of River Nile one of the tourist sites in Madi sub region. Photo by UNRA