The Government of Uganda has embarked on an ambitious initiative to transform the equator line into a prominent tourism product, marked by the recent unveiling of the Kikorongo Equator Monument in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
This project aligns with Uganda’s broader strategy to develop unique tourism attractions, promote sustainable tourism, and foster community engagement.
Speaking at the launch, Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) CEO, Lilly Ajarova, highlighted the extensive efforts made since a 2019 study that identified 20 key locations along the equator line across the country, each with the potential to be developed as a tourism site.
“The Equator line is being developed as a product of its own,” Ajarova stated. “We have the Kayabwe Equator Monument and now Kikorongo, with specific designs for each site to enhance their tourism appeal.”
Ajarova outlined several planned developments, including a mini golf course straddling the hemispheres, luxury hotels where guests can experience sleeping with their heads in the southern hemisphere and feet in the northern, and cycling paths along the equator.
“Our current marketing strategy is not just about selling products; we are focused on offering unique experiences. We want the equator to be a destination that provides immersive and memorable experiences for travelers,” she added.
Tourism Minister Tom Butime, officiating the event, noted that the enhancement of the Kikorongo Equator site is a significant step in positioning Uganda as a competitive player in the global tourism market. He emphasized that this development will attract both local and international visitors, boosting the country’s tourism sector.
State Minister for ICT & National Guidance, Godfrey Kabbyanga Baluku, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the redesigned Kikorongo Equator site offers visitors an engaging and transformative experience that underscores Uganda’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. He reported that the response to the newly unveiled monument has been overwhelmingly positive.
The Ag. Commissioner for Museums and Monuments, Jackline Nyiracyiza, revealed that the number of visitors to the Kikorongo site has surged since its unveiling. “Within the first week, 340 tourists visited the site. As of September 27, that number has increased to 13,500, reflecting the monument’s growing popularity,” she reported. The project, funded by the Government of Uganda at a cost of 1.5 billion shillings, also includes plans to add a restaurant, craft shop, museum, and other amenities to enhance the visitor experience.
Nyiracyiza also announced that a concessionaire has been contracted by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to expedite the addition of these facilities. “The concessionaire has signed a contract, and we are fast-tracking the process to ensure the necessary investments are made for the monument,” she said.
Adding, “We collaborated with UTB on the initial designs and have made several improvements to make it a compelling tourism product.”
Local stakeholders are optimistic that the Kikorongo Equator Monument will significantly boost tourism and economic activity in the area. Minister Butime reiterated that the enhanced site, located near Queen Elizabeth National Park, aims to provide a comprehensive tourism package that not only attracts visitors but also promotes Uganda’s geographical uniqueness as one of the few countries where the equator line passes.
The Kikorongo Monument, which replaces an older structure dating back to 1952, is expected to become a must-see destination for travelers. Originally erected by the colonial government and commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II, the first monument was a simple circular structure symbolizing the equator.
The revamped site, offering a range of experiences and activities, is poised to raise international awareness of Uganda’s unique geographic location, contributing to national pride and economic prosperity.
In March 2019, during the widening of the Katunguru-Hima road, the old monument was dismantled, marking a pivotal moment in the site’s development. A temporary PVC banner replaced it, drawing criticism and highlighting the need for a more substantial structure.
The new Kikorongo Equator Monument, with its enhanced design and strategic location, aims to serve as a major attraction, offering visitors the opportunity to capture memorable photos at the intersection of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.