Kibiro World Heritage Bid Gets Expert Boost

Efforts to recognize Kibiro’s significant cultural and natural heritage with UNESCO World Heritage status have received a considerable boost. A delegation from the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), an advisory body to UNESCO, recently visited the site in Hoima District.

During their visit on Thursday, October 15, 2026, the ICOMOS team held crucial consultations with various stakeholders. These included members of the local community, conservationists, leaders from Hoima District, and representatives of the Bunyoro Kingdom. The primary objective was to refine the nomination dossier and devise strategies for safeguarding Kibiro’s historical and cultural importance.

Dr. Jacklyne Nyirakyiiza from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities highlighted the strategic importance of Kibiro’s nomination within Uganda’s tourism growth ambitions. Securing World Heritage status is expected to elevate the site’s international profile, stimulate domestic tourism, and attract vital investment and development to the region.

Kibiro was initially placed on UNESCO’s Tentative List in 1997, with a renewed proposal submitted in February 2026. Alice Bianda, the lead ICOMOS expert from Cameroon, noted Kibiro’s remarkable features that warrant global protection. She stated that the stakeholder consultations provided invaluable insights for assessing the site’s eligibility.

Local officials, represented by Mwesigwa Rwamukaga, acknowledged the nomination as an opportunity to advocate for improved infrastructure, including better roads and essential social services like healthcare and education. Such improvements would not only benefit the surrounding communities but also bolster Kibiro’s tourism potential.

Security officials urged all stakeholders to actively protect the site throughout the nomination process, warning against encroachment and pledging collaborative efforts to safeguard Kibiro’s heritage. The site is renowned for its natural hot springs and long-standing traditional salt production practices, integral to the area’s cultural identity.

For more details, visit: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/379133/kibiro-world-heritage-bid-gains-momentum-as-experts-consult-stakeholders