President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged full government support towards the development of major infrastructure projects in the Tooro Kingdom, following a high-level meeting with His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV at the State Lodge in Fort Portal.

The meeting, held on May 16, 2025, focused on accelerating tourism-led development in the region through strategic initiatives, including the construction of a modern stadium and the upgrade of the existing Fort Portal aerodrome into a fully operational airport.

“These initiatives will not only attract more visitors but also create jobs and expand the regional economy,” President Museveni said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to unlocking the full tourism potential of the Rwenzori region.

“Transforming the aerodrome into an international standard facility will enhance accessibility and open up Tooro to the world.”

The King of Tooro described the engagement as “fruitful and forward-looking towards Tooro Kingdom’s vision to become a national hub for tourism, sports, and culture.

’’The proposed projects align with the kingdom’s broader strategy to position Tooro as a national hub for tourism, sports, and culture,’’ the King of Tooro stated.

Also present at the meeting were Queen Mother Best Kemigisa Akiiki and senior members of the Tooro Kingdom leadership, including Rt. Hon. Owek Henry Basaliza Araali (Deputy Prime Minister for Finance and Administration), Rt. Hon. Harriet Nyakake Abwooli (Deputy Prime Minister for Gender, Culture & Clan Mobilization), and Hon. Kantu Joan Else, Minister of Tourism, among other esteemed royals.

The leaders also reviewed progress on critical development areas such as land matters, to which President Museveni reaffirmed the government’s resolve to address historical land issues through peaceful dialogue, announcing that a Memorandum of Understanding will soon be signed to guide the formal return of kingdom property titles.

Fort Portal, which was recently designated as a Tourism City by the Government of Uganda, stands to benefit significantly from the proposed stadium and airport development. The upgrades are expected to enhance infrastructure, stimulate local enterprise, and elevate the region’s appeal as a prime destination for domestic and international tourists.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to collaborative development and cultural preservation, marking another step toward the kingdom’s long-term vision of economic empowerment and heritage pride.