A team of heritage experts has visited Kibiro Cultural Site in Bunyoro to assess its readiness for nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List, as the government and Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom pursue international recognition for the historic site.
The delegation comprised officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), an expert advisory organisation to UNESCO.
During the visit, the team examined information submitted about Kibiro, reviewed the preservation of its cultural features and advised Kingdom officials on the requirements for advancing the nomination.
The delegation was received by Owek. Robert Rukahemura Akiiki, the Kingdom’s Social Services and Culture Officer, who represented Prime Minister Owek. Andrew Byakutaga Ateenyi.
Rukahemura conveyed the Prime Minister’s appreciation to the government, particularly the Ministry of Tourism, for supporting tourism development in Bunyoro and the Kingdom’s annual Empango celebrations.
He said the Kingdom welcomed the inclusion of Kibiro among the cultural sites being considered for World Heritage status and pledged continued cooperation with the ministry in protecting Bunyoro’s heritage.
He highlighted Kibiro’s traditional salt gardens, hot springs, clan structures and customary management systems as important elements of its cultural significance.
Rukahemura also raised concerns about access to the site, calling for improvement of the road to make Kibiro more accessible. He welcomed the establishment of an information centre to support the collection and management of information about the site.
Dr Jackline Besigye, a commissioner at the Ministry of Tourism, said the delegation’s visit was intended to verify submitted information, examine the site’s condition and provide guidance on the nomination process.
She introduced Alice Bianda, an ICOMOS expert from Cameroon, who assessed the site and briefed Kingdom officials on the steps required before a final decision can be made on the proposed inscription.
Besigye said the ministry had established the information centre to strengthen documentation, record-keeping and information sharing. She also identified improved road access as a priority for the site’s development.
Beyond heritage conservation, the ministry is working with the Kingdom on plans to introduce tourism activities such as zip-lining and birdwatching. It is also supporting efforts to improve Mparo Royal Tombs and other cultural sites to international standards.
Bianda commended the Kingdom for maintaining Kibiro’s cultural heritage, noting that the features presented during the engagement remained intact. She guided officials through the procedures and requirements for pursuing World Heritage inscription.
The proposed nomination could raise Kibiro’s international profile and support efforts to develop cultural tourism in Bunyoro. However, the site’s inclusion on the World Heritage List will depend on the outcome of the formal nomination and evaluation process.
The visit forms part of joint efforts by the government and Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom to preserve the area’s cultural heritage and strengthen its tourism potential.
