Mount Kabuye: Untapped Natural Beauty with the Potential to Transform Tourism and Local Livelihoods in Gakenke District

Mount Kabuye, located in Kamubuga Sector of Gakenke District, stands as one of the region’s most remarkable yet underutilized natural attractions.

With its rolling green slopes, panoramic views, fresh mountain air and tranquil environment, the mountain offers a unique landscape that holds strong potential for tourism development and local economic transformation.

Recently, local authorities conducted a field visit to Mount Kabuye to assess how its natural beauty could be developed into a viable tourism destination that benefits surrounding communities. The visit highlighted growing interest in promoting nature-based tourism as a pathway to sustainable development in Gakenke District.

Residents living around Mount Kabuye say the mountain has long been admired for its breathtaking scenery and peaceful atmosphere. From its summit, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of neighboring hills and valleys, making it an ideal location for hiking, sightseeing and photography. Community members believe the mountain could attract both domestic and international tourists if properly developed and promoted.

Many residents express pride in the natural beauty surrounding them and say it has become part of their daily lives. They note that the mountain’s environment remains largely preserved, with rich vegetation and open spaces suitable for eco-tourism activities. According to locals, Mount Kabuye has the potential to host guided nature walks, cultural tourism experiences and recreational activities that could generate income for families in Kamubuga Sector.

Community members are calling on authorities to invest in basic tourism infrastructure such as access roads, walking trails, viewing points and safety facilities. They believe that improving accessibility would make the mountain more attractive to visitors while ensuring environmental protection. Residents also emphasize the importance of involving local communities in tourism planning and management to ensure shared benefits.

Some locals say tourism development around Mount Kabuye would create employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women. They point out that jobs could be created in guiding services, accommodation, food services, transportation and the sale of locally made crafts. Such opportunities, they say, would help reduce unemployment and improve household incomes.

Residents further highlight that tourism development could stimulate broader local development by encouraging investment in infrastructure such as water supply, electricity and communication services. They believe these improvements would not only benefit tourists but also significantly improve the quality of life for people living in the area.

Environmental conservation remains a key concern for community members, who stress the need to protect Mount Kabuye’s natural ecosystem as development plans take shape. They call for sustainable tourism approaches that balance economic benefits with environmental preservation, ensuring that future generations continue to enjoy the mountain’s beauty.