Challenges of managing and conserving UNESCO world heritage sites for tourism in Uganda

Abstract

This study was done with a purpose of finding out challenges facing management and conservation of UNESCO world heritage sites for tourism in Uganda using the case of Kasubi tombs.The study objectives were to assess the methods being used to manage and conserve Kasubi tombs as a World Heritage site, to document the tourism activities at Kasubi tombs and how it has been affected by Covid-19.The study was as well intended to examine the challenges faced in managing and conserving Kasubi tombs. Data collected from the field was carefully edited, sorted and coded to eliminate the inconsistencies and errors that would be made during data collection. After collection of data from the field, data was subjected to further analysis in SPSS Version17.0 a computer package which helped in generating statistical summaries where conclusions were drawn. The study established that cultural dance and touring the tomb (27.3%) were some of the most prominent tourist activities at Kasubi tombs. However, research work and photography (3.6%) were the least performed tourist activities at the site. The tourist activities at the tombs were affected by the imposed Covid-19 lockdown whereby 34.5% of the respondents strongly agreed that the number of visitors had begun to rise only after the lockdown had been eased, 40% agreed when asked the same question. The study as well revealed that the highest percentage 27.3% of the methods used to manage and conserve the tombs as a world heritage center included integrating elements of culture in school curriculum while the least used method was slashing the compound (3. 6%).The most challenging aspect of managing and conserving the tombs was limited finance as revealed by the study during data collection. The conclusions drawn from this study were that the main challenge facing management and conservation of Kasubi tombs is limited finance to facilitate management and conservation activities. Inclusive planning for management and conservation of heritage resources is very important in as far as management and conservation of heritage resources is concerned. Risk management strategies must be put in place to avoid cases of destruction of heritage resources like fire that burnt Kasubi tombs in the year 2010.