By Edward Byamukama
Hoima District is set to step on the global tourism stage as UNESCO rejuvenates efforts towards the nomination of Kibiro hot springs and salt mining gardens as a world heritage site.
On Thursday 15th October 2026, a team of experts from the International Council for Monuments and Sites-ICMOS which is an expert advisory organization to UNESCO led by Alice Bianda from Cameroon, visited the Kibiro site and held multiple engagements with stakeholders including the community, conservationists, Hoima district leadership and the Bunyoro Kingdom to share ideas on strengthening the nomination of the site to the global stage.
Dr. Jacklyne Nyirakyiiza the Commissioner from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities said that the nomination of Kibiro cultural site in Hoima District is a key step in fulfilling the government’s 10-fold growth strategy under ATMS where tourism is one of the pillars.
She said that once the site is fully enlisted as a UNESCO protected world heritage, it will boost domestic tourism, attract investment and development.
She said that Kibiro was tentatively nominated in 1997 and re-nominated in February 2026 by UNESCO where a proposal was submitted to the UN agency.
Alice Bianda the ICOMOS expert said Kibiro cultural site has amazing features which need to be protected. She said that she had consulted all stakeholders and shared information which will be key in in verification enlisting the place as world heritage site.
The Chief Administrative Officer who was represented by Senior Assistant Secretary Mr. Mwesigwa Rwamukaga said that the nomination of Kibiro cultural site is an opportunity to advocate for improvement of road infrastructure and accessibility, social services like health, education and provision of safe water.
