Museveni Starts Ankole PDM Tour, Explores Breathtaking Natural Beauty

Rubirizi – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s Parish Development Model (PDM) tour in the Ankole sub-region not only focused on wealth creation but also highlighted the breathtaking natural beauty of Western Uganda.

As he traversed Rubirizi and Bushenyi districts, the President took time to admire the region’s rich landscapes, renowned for their stunning crater lakes, dense forests, and diverse wildlife.

Rubirizi District, where the PDM tour commenced, is a hidden gem of Uganda’s tourism scene, boasting over 50 crater lakes, including the famous Lake Nkugute, which locals describe as having a shape similar to the map of Africa.

The district is also home to a portion of Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of the country’s most visited wildlife reserves, teeming with elephants, buffaloes, and tree-climbing lions.

Other major attractions include the magnificent Kyambura Gorge, a lush green valley known for its population of chimpanzees and scenic hiking trails.

En route to Sheema District, President Museveni paused at a scenic viewpoint to take in the vast Maramagambo Forest in Bushenyi District. One of the largest tropical forests in Eastern Africa, Maramagambo is an ecological treasure, bordering the northern edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The forest is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including rare bird species, primates, and underground caves that house thousands of bats.

Speaking about the region’s natural beauty, President Museveni emphasised the need for conservation and sustainable development to ensure that these landscapes continue to attract tourism and support local communities.

“The wealth of this region is not only in agriculture but also in these natural wonders—our lakes, forests, and wildlife,” the President remarked. “Tourism remains a key driver of our economy, and we must protect these areas for future generations.”

Rubirizi and Bushenyi’s unique combination of crater lakes, rolling hills, tea estates, and wildlife sanctuaries makes them vital to Uganda’s tourism industry.

The districts offer a tranquil escape for nature lovers and adventurers alike, with opportunities for birdwatching, nature walks, and cultural experiences.