CHALLENGES OF COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM IN KIRA MUNICIPALITY

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the challenges of community-based tourism in Kira Municipality. This was after the realization that the area had numerous tourist attractions centered on Lake Victoria, culture, history, religion and environment. The challenge was how to tap these potentials. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: to identify the potentials for community￾ based tourism in Kira Municipality; to find out the limitations to community-based tourism in Kira Municipality; and to examine the ways of promoting community-based tourism in Kira Municipality. To achieve the objectives, the study was guided by the following research questions: what are the potentials for community-based tourism in Kira Municipality? What are the limitations to community-based tourism in Kira Municipality? In which ways can community-based tourism be promoted in Kira Municipality? The study design took the form of a case study design that involved an in-depth and holistic study of the challenges of community￾ based tourism in Kira Municipality. The study also involved purposive sampling in which the data sought were qualitative. A sample of 50 respondents was selected for the study. The sample included visitors/tourists, transport operators, lodge, restaurants and hotel workers, managers of tourist sites, academics, tour operators and opinion leaders. The data were collected using interviews and observations for primary data and documents analysis for secondary data. Data analysis began with the editing of the data of errors. This was then followed by the qualitative analysis of the data. This involved the literal description and narration of the emerging issues and

quoting extensively in verbatim out of which authentic conclusions were made. The study established that the potentials for community-based tourism in Kira Municipality rested on both environmental and human factors which motivate people to visit the area. The study also found out that the limitations to community-based tourism in Kira Municipality were political, social, economic and environmental. Lastly, the study established that community-based tourism in Kira Municipality needed publicity, infrastructural development, conservation and capacity building. The study concludes by noting that the potentials for community-based tourism in Kira Municipality will for the years to come remain underdeveloped or even unnoticed not until those who wield power and influence realize that tourism can develop outside the national parks and also internalize the role of tourism in national development. The study notes that given the political and structural bottlenecks that infest the economy of Uganda as a whole, the sector of tourism will consistently develop at a pedestrian speed, keeping places such as community-based

tourism in Kira Municipality at the peripheral of tourism in the country. The study also notes that Kira Municipality could become a major destination for holiday makers if there was invest in the

infrastructure, conservation, capacity building and publicity of the potentials of tourism. The

study recommends the need for the marketing of the tourist attractions of community-based

tourism in Kira Municipality and investment in the infrastructure so as to harness the potential

that is largely unexploited. The study also recommends the need for a strong and effective body

that promotes Kira Municipality Uganda to the rests of the world as a major destination for

holiday makers and investors. Lastly, the study recommends the need for conservation,

consolidation of political stability and apprenticeship and training.