Masindi District is moving closer to establishing one of western Uganda’s most ambitious roadside tourism centres after the completion of a government-backed feasibility study for the redevelopment of Kafu Junction.
The proposed Kafu Tourist Stopover Centre is expected to transform the busy highway junction into a modern gateway for travellers heading to Uganda’s leading national parks and cultural destinations in the Bunyoro sub-region.
The study, carried out by E. Marriet Consultants Limited in partnership with the central government and Masindi District Local Government, outlines a large-scale tourism and commercial facility designed to improve traveller experience while creating jobs and supporting local businesses.
If approved, the project would introduce a range of new amenities including accommodation facilities, a tourist museum, a restaurant, a fuel station, an information centre, and a monument honouring Omukama Kabalega, one of Bunyoro’s most celebrated historical figures.
The proposed development will also feature landscaped green spaces, upgraded market stalls for vendors, parking yards, a mini taxi park, and recreational areas for children.
Speaking about the project, Masindi Chief Administrative Officer Samuel Ruhweza Kaija said the district had successfully passed a competitive national selection process to reach the current stage.
“Out of many districts that applied, only two were cleared to proceed to this stage. It shows the seriousness and potential of this project,” Kaija said.
According to district officials, the next step depends on government approval of the feasibility study before the project can attract private investment under a public-private partnership arrangement.
Kaija explained that the government intends to work with private investors who will finance and manage parts of the development while public authorities provide oversight and policy guidance.
Tourism officials believe the stopover centre could significantly strengthen Masindi’s position within Uganda’s growing tourism industry. Kafu Junction already serves as an important transit point for tourists travelling to destinations such as Murchison Falls National Park and other attractions across western Uganda.
The project is also expected to benefit travellers using safari rental cars in Uganda, especially self-drive tourists who frequently pass through the Kafu corridor on safaris linking Kampala to the country’s wildlife parks.
District tourism officer Riita Karungi, who spearheaded the concept, described the progress as the result of years of lobbying and engagement with the National Planning Authority and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
“This journey has taken years of engagement and lobbying. Seeing it reach this level is very encouraging,” Karungi said.
Local leaders have welcomed the initiative, saying Kafu Junction’s strategic location gives it strong potential to become a major tourism and business centre.
Masindi District Chairperson Cosmas Byaruhanga called the development a breakthrough for the district, while Buruli County MP Aled Ronald Akugizibwe urged planners to secure more land beyond the current four-acre site to allow future expansion opportunities for local entrepreneurs and investors.
Residents and traders are optimistic that the project could improve roadside services, increase visitor spending, and create employment opportunities for young people in the area.
Once completed, the Kafu Tourist Stopover Centre is expected to become an important entry point into western Uganda’s tourism circuit, further strengthening Masindi’s role as a gateway to some of the country’s most visited attractions.