The government has finalized plans to start building a world-class tourism site at the Source of the Nile in Jinja City.
According to Vivian Lyazi, the assistant commissioner for tourism in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, the project will transform the Source of the Nile into an iconic world tourism destination.
The project coordinator of the Source of the Nile Development Project, Jimmy Kigozi, said work is beginning this financial year with the construction of an observation tower and pier.
“The cost will be revealed after the Solicitor General approves the contractor and the plan,” he said.
The master plan for the 20-year project was crafted by Strategic Friends International (SFI), a globally acclaimed consulting firm owned by Dr. Kosea Wambaka.
The artist’s impression of the revamped Source of the Nile shows a spectacular complex with museums, fun activities, children’s play facilities, the Nile Civilization Village, as well as the digital globe and entertainment platforms.
The center will also have a cultural center, health facilities, top-notch restaurants, accommodations, and a modern pier. The plan has already been approved by the National Physical Planning Authority.
Speaking about the development, Wambaka could not hide his excitement: “Get ready for zip lines that will whisk you from the eastern to the western banks of the Nile. Oh, and did I mention cable cars? You will be cruising on modern liners, taking in the breathtaking beauty of Lake Victoria and the mighty River Nile. Talk about a ride to remember!”
Wambaka said before he designed the project, his team benchmarked at the River Main and Heidelberg Castle in Germany, the Nile Delta in Egypt, the Brisbane River in Australia, and the Red Square in Moscow.
“These places are attracting lots of tourists, but they are missing one crucial ingredient; a captivating name like the Source of the Nile! We have a secret weapon here, folks! If we tap into the allure of the Source of the Nile, the possibilities are endless,” Wambaka declared.
More Land is Needed
The Source of the Nile development comes with the resettlement of people as the Government acquires the necessary land for the project. Kigozi said SFI was conducting a Resettlement Action Plan Study to acquire land within a 300-meter radius from the Source of the Nile.
This means that parts of Jinja City, like the golf course, Nile Park, schools, resorts, and hotels, will be affected. Kigozi, who has been carrying out stakeholder sensitization meetings for the resettlement plan, revealed that the Source of the Nile ranked the highest among sites that were studied for development by the Government because of its potential to attract lots of tourists.
“There are few activities people can enjoy at the Nile now, like eating fish and boat cruises. We want to develop the place into a world-class tourist site so that when tourists visit, there are several activities they can enjoy, stay longer, and spend more, thus boosting our economy,” he said.
He applauded SFI for a great job done in developing a master plan and strategic environmental assessment for the Source of the Nile area.
Wambaka clarified that the project would not seize all the properties in the vicinity but rather upgrade them to meet the project’s requirements.
“We shall conduct thorough socio-economic and cadastral surveys and compensate landowners based on valuation rates developed by district land boards and approved by the Office of Chief Government Valuer,” he said.
According to the guidelines, landowners whose land will be affected will also receive a disturbance allowance of 30% of the value of the property.
“It is an effort to ease the transition and mitigate the impact on those affected. Rest assured, transparency and adequate compensation will be the guiding principles throughout this project,” Wambaka pledged.
SFI has successfully handled similar projects in the past, including land compensation at the oil refinery and the refined petroleum products pipeline.
Opportunities
The Jinja deputy resident city commissioner (DRDC), Henry Kitambula, pledged full support for the project given the potential it holds for job creation and economic growth.
“You know, the Nile has always left first-time visitors scratching their heads. They come expecting something grand, but all they see is people munching on fish and cruising on boats. Not exactly a show-stopper.
But if we give it the makeover it deserves, it can become a magnet for tourists from near and far,” he said.
Kitambula believes that with the development of this cutting-edge infrastructure, the people of Jinja City and Buikwe District will have more employment opportunities and a chance to enhance their socio-economic status.
“More jobs mean improved socioeconomic status and a boost for the local economy. It is a win-win situation!”
Kitambula is looking forward to the positive ripple effect of the project on the local economy.
“With the development of new infrastructure, jobs will flourish in various sectors, from restaurants and bars to tour operators, guides, hotel staff, and more. Tourism has always been a driving force for job growth and a thriving economy,” he said.
Adventure hub
The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) chairman, Daudi Migereko, said he is excited about the start of the project.
“It has been a long-standing anticipation of the people of Busoga. We have waited patiently for years, attending meetings and dreaming of the day the Source of the Nile would reach its full potential. I am aware of the stop-and-start moments the project has faced. But this time, there will be no more hiccups up to completion,” Migereko said.
He said action on the ground is what will truly rally support and enthusiasm from the people. “It is time to transform dreams into reality and show that Uganda means business!” he said.
Jinja City is known as the adventure capital for water sports like water rafting, canoeing, and bungee jumping. There are historical sites like Mpumudde Hill and the Bujagali ancestral site. Also, Jinja is known for the Nyege Nyege International Music and Arts Festival and the Vumbula Festival. The city also hosts the only cable-stayed bridge in Uganda, which spans 525 meters.