The UGX 9.7 billion project, implemented by Kwed Construction Ltd with UWA providing 2.7 acres of land, will deliver an information centre, museums, restaurant, viewing deck, craft market and other visitor facilities.
Kasese, Uganda: Government has launched the Shs9.7 billion redevelopment of the Kikorongo Equator Monument in Kasese District, a flagship tourism infrastructure project aimed at enhancing visitor experiences, promoting conservation, and creating sustainable economic opportunities for communities around one of Uganda’s iconic tourism sites.
The groundbreaking ceremony was officiated by the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Col. Tom R. Butime, who described the project as a major milestone in Uganda’s efforts to modernise tourism infrastructure and diversify the country’s tourism products.
The redevelopment project, officials said, is being implemented by Kwed Construction Limited, with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) providing 2.7 acres of land to facilitate the expansion.
Speaking at the ceremony, Butime said the investment demonstrates government’s continued commitment to strengthening Uganda’s tourism sector by developing world-class visitor facilities that showcase the country’s natural and cultural heritage.
“This development underscores the Government’s commitment to strengthening tourism infrastructure, enriching visitor experiences, diversifying products, conserving Uganda’s heritage and creating sustainable economic opportunities for surrounding communities,” he said.
Upon completion, the redeveloped Kikorongo Equator Monument will feature a modern Information and Interpretation Centre designed to educate visitors about the significance of the Equator, the unique Rwenzori ecosystem, and the area’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
The project will also include a restaurant and rest area to improve visitor comfort, alongside two thematic museums focusing on Uganda’s Equatorial geography and the cultural heritage of the Rwenzori region.
Visitors will also benefit from a newly constructed viewing deck offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the wildlife corridor that links protected conservation areas.
To accommodate increasing tourist arrivals, the facility will feature expanded parking space for tour buses and private vehicles.
Government is also establishing craft shops and a cultural market where local artisans will showcase and sell indigenous products, creating new income-generating opportunities for surrounding communities.
Tourism and community development
The redevelopment is expected to increase tourist stopovers along the Kasese tourism circuit while supporting local businesses through improved infrastructure and enhanced visitor services.
The project also forms part of government’s broader strategy to diversify tourism products beyond wildlife viewing by investing in heritage tourism, cultural experiences and educational attractions.
The Kikorongo Equator Monument, located along the Kasese-Mbarara Highway, is one of Uganda’s iconic Equator crossing points and serves as a major stopover for tourists travelling to Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
Uganda is one of the few countries in the world crossed by the Equator, making such sites important attractions for visitors interested in geography, science and photography. Government has increasingly invested in tourism infrastructure to support its strategy of positioning tourism as a key driver of economic growth, employment and foreign exchange earnings.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by the Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Dr. James Musinguzi, officials from the Ministry of Tourism, representatives of Kwed Construction Limited, local government leaders, and members of the media.
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