KAMPALA, Uganda — Buganda Kingdom has unveiled ambitious plans to convert the historic Kabaka’s Lake into a world-class tourism center. The initiative aims to capitalize on the man-made lake’s rich cultural and historical significance, making it a key attraction for visitors.
Speaking last Friday at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kabaka’s Lake Road, Israel Kitooke, the Buganda Kingdom spokesperson and minister of information and mobilization, announced that the development plan for the lake is complete. “We thank KCCA for deciding to work on this road as requested,” Kitooke said, referring to the Kampala Capital City Authority. “The roads have been narrow and dusty. Upgrading the road is timely given that the kingdom and its partners have embarked on developing Kabaka’s Lake. We hope to get more tourists who have to use roads to get here.”
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The lake, dug in the 1880s during the reign of Kabaka Mwanga II, originally served as a waterway for the king’s movements between his Mengo and Munyonyo Palaces and as a water source for firefighting at his then-reed and grass palace. Historical records also indicate the lake was a source of clay used in the construction of Namirembe and Rubaga cathedrals. Today, it also serves as a sanctuary for various bird species, including kingfishers and grey crowned cranes.
Pastor Robert Kayanja of Miracle Centre Church, a partner in the project, confirmed that preliminary work has begun. “We are already implementing the plan in bits and pieces,” Kayanja said. “The sieving system, digging of the water purification pond, clearing heaps of soil around the lake, building the drainage to clean the water that goes into the lake has already started.” He added that fencing will commence within the next two weeks, and desilting equipment has been procured.
The proposed development includes a floating restaurant, a five-star hotel, a two-star hotel, man-made islands and a museum to showcase the history of the Buganda Kingdom. Small boats will also be available for tourist cruises.
Sharifah Buzeki, the executive director of KCCA, expressed gratitude for the Buganda Kingdom’s cooperation in developing the tourism site. She noted that the three-year road project, which includes Kabaka’s Lake Road, is part of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s manifesto to modernize Kampala’s road infrastructure.
The first phase of the road project will cover 24 roads, totaling 14.65 kilometers. These include Kabaka’s Lake Road, Button Street link, Bukoto Street, Wilson Road, Wilson Street, Market Street, Mengo-Kisenyi Link Road, Erisa-Nkoyoyo Road and Central Kisenyi Lane, among others. Dott Services Limited has been contracted for the upgrade, with supervision by MDW Consulting Limited.
Kampala City Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago commended the initiative by the Buganda Kingdom.
