The role of Buganda Royal Burial grounds in promoting tourism in Uganda

Abstract

This study investigated the role of the Buganda burial grounds in promoting cultural tourism in Uganda. Cultural tourism is a vital source of both public as well as private income, source of foreign exchange earnings. A total of fifty respondents participated in this research. It was found that cultural sites have played a big role to the development of tourism in Buganda and has generated positive impacts to large existent. The study established that there are some negative impacts that have to be addressed because cultural site have potential attraction to attract significant numbers of tourists hence the study suggests various ways of marketing the destination to increase on the numbers. The study concluded that there are many roles being played by the staff of the sites, marketing is also carried out hence many benefits are generated to all stakeholders, the research also present many opportunities, challenges and solutions for sustainable cultural tourism development. Many of the attractions, however, need a great deal of work in terms of rehabilitation, management and promotion. Since cultural attractions are under the supervision of many tourism boards, it is important to take a comprehensive approach that creates and sustains management program. The study recommends that more infrastructures should be constructed around the sites, the study recommends that security should be increased around the tomb to protect and conserve the heritage sites, more marketing techniques are required to increase on the number of visitors. The study recommends that cultural sites that are not in proper condition like Namasole kanyange and kasubi tombs have to be renovated in time.