Examining the implications of dark tourism around Namugongo Shrines to the livelihoods of the local communities

Abstract

This study explored the implications of dark tourism at Namugongo Martyrs Shrine on the livelihoods of local communities. Every 3rd of June to the Catholic church honors the twenty-four Catholic martyrs who were executed on the orders of King Mwanga in 1886. As a result a big number of believe trek from all sides of the country and beyond to participate in the event consequently impacting the adjacent communities. To achieve the aim of the study, the following objectives were formulated; to evaluate the impacts of dark tourism on the Namugongo Shrines and the livelihoods of the local community surrounding the site, to identify the challenges faced by local residents and their businesses during both peak pilgrimage seasons and off-peak periods, to explore the types of products and services offered by local communities to pilgrims and tourists visiting the Namugongo Shrines, and to analyze how local businesses manage the increased demand for goods and services during the peak pilgrimage season. Data collection methods included questionnaires and interviews. The collected data was analysed using descriptive statistics and themes through thematic analysis. Key findings reveal that dark tourism considerably contributes to local economies through job creation and income generation, especially during pilgrimage events. Nonetheless, respondents identified various challenges, including poor sanitation, traffic congestion, and intense competition among local businesses during off-peak periods, which threaten economic stability. The emotional resonance of the shrine and its historical significance also shape visitor experiences and local community perspectives. In conclusion, while dark tourism enhances economic opportunities for the Namugongo community, the reliance on seasonal influxes of pilgrims exposes vulnerabilities that necessitate improvement in infrastructure and the development of diversified services. Recommendations include enhancing sanitation facilities, implementing traffic management solutions, and fostering community engagement in tourism development.