International heritage experts have visited Kibiro’s hot springs and traditional salt-mining gardens in Hoima District to consult local communities, conservationists and leaders on efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage status.
Efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for Kibiro’s hot springs and traditional salt-mining gardens in Hoima District have gained momentum following consultations between international heritage experts and local stakeholders.
On Thursday, October 15, 2026, a team from the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), an advisory body to UNESCO on cultural heritage, visited Kibiro and held discussions with community members, conservationists, Hoima District leaders and representatives of the Bunyoro Kingdom.
The engagements focused on strengthening the site’s nomination and identifying ways to protect its cultural and historical significance.
Dr Jacklyne Nyirakyiiza, a commissioner at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, said the nomination of Kibiro was an important step towards achieving the government’s 10-fold growth ambitions, under which tourism is one of the priority sectors.
She said securing UNESCO World Heritage status would raise the site’s international profile, boost domestic tourism and attract investment and development to the area.
Nyirakyiiza said Kibiro was placed on UNESCO’s Tentative List in 1997 and that a proposal was resubmitted in February 2026.
Alice Bianda, the ICOMOS expert from Cameroon who led the team, said Kibiro had remarkable features that deserved protection.
She said consultations with stakeholders had provided information that would be important in assessing the site’s suitability for World Heritage status.
Hoima District Chief Administrative Officer, represented by Senior Assistant Secretary Mwesigwa Rwamukaga, said the nomination presented an opportunity to advocate for better road infrastructure and improved access to social services, including healthcare, education and safe water.
He said improvements in infrastructure would benefit surrounding communities while supporting the area’s tourism potential.
John Munaaba Apuuli, the deputy District Internal Security Officer for Hoima, called on stakeholders to protect the site as the nomination process progresses.
He warned against encroachment by individuals seeking to exploit the area and pledged to work with other stakeholders to safeguard Kibiro and support the nomination process.
Kibiro is known for its natural hot springs and traditional salt production, practices that form part of the area’s cultural heritage.
UNESCO World Heritage status would give the site international recognition if it meets the relevant criteria and completes the required assessment and approval process.