By Johnson Kanyesige
Women engaged in salt mining activities at Kibiro landing site in Kigorobya county, Hoima district have decried lack of market for their salt products as well as increased deforestation activities something they say has made it difficult in sustaining their livelihood.
This was revealed as a group of over 400 local tourists led by the state minister for tourism, wildlife and antiquities Martin Mugarra Bahinduka descended to Kibiro hot springs to explore salt mining and production activities in the area.
Judith Katusabe, one of the salt miners in the area says they can no longer access fire wood which is a raw material in salt production due to large scale cutting down of trees in the area. She also says they can longer support education of their children due to lack of funds even when the salt is in their area.
Grace Sabiiti, another salt miner in the area says lack of market for their salt is another challenge with the hilly nature of the area that makes it difficult for them to access the market centers.
She adds that government should set up a modern market in the area to boost salt sales.
Rev Eddie Akora, the parish priest Kirgorobya Church of Uganda calls for support of local communities and products by the government in a bid to enhance local content. He adds that local communities should be prioritized in accessing service delivery in order to support the government programs in the area.
Meanwhile, the state minister of tourism Martin Mugaara Bahinduka joined by local celebrities like Pallaso, Spice Diana and Golola Moses launched a painting campaign of one of the old buildings at Kigorobya COU primary.
Minister Mugaara revealed as part of explore campaigns conducted across the country they carry out corporate social responsibilities in a bid to support and impact the communities they have visited.
