Rubirizi Women Urged to Leverage Tourism, Handicrafts for Income as Leaders Warn Against Child Begging and Poaching

Rubirizi,Uganda – Women in Rubirizi District have been called upon to engage in tourism and cultural ventures to boost household incomes and self-reliance, while men were warned against poaching and sending children to beg from tourists.

The appeal was made by Mr. Mucunguzi Didas Magezi, the Rubirizi District Tourism Officer, while addressing members of the Kicwamba Women Creative Bee Initiative during International Mother’s Day celebrations held in Kicwamba Sub-county.

He raised concern over children being sent to roadsides to beg from visitors to Queen Elizabeth National Park, calling the trend harmful to the district’s image. “We have received complaints from tourists and tour guides about children begging and harassing visitors,” Mucunguzi said. He warned that security agencies have been directed to mount operations on all roads in Rubirizi to arrest offenders, and legal action will be taken against parents who send children to the streets.

Mucunguzi urged the youth to stay in school and acquire skills instead of misleading visitors with wrong information about tourism. Mukundane Scovia, Chairperson of the Kicwamba Women Creative Bee Initiative, said the group is equipping women with handcraft and business skills, promoting a saving culture, and supporting income-generating activities to fight household poverty. She noted that the group aims to improve women’s living standards, foster discipline and responsibility, and provide financial and material support through teamwork and cooperation.

Hon. Twinamatsiko Nickolas, Chairperson of the Rubirizi Tourism Committee, urged women and youth to use tourism to uplift their families and sustain household development. He condemned poaching in the national park, saying it has led to a decline in both wildlife and tourist numbers. He disclosed that Rubirizi District has secured over 500 million UGX to construct a Tourism Information Center in Kicwamba to strengthen tourism management and promotion.

Tumushabe Edrida, the Senior Community Development Officer, commended the women for starting handicraft projects, saying they will help families overcome poverty, hunger, and instability. She urged women to work hard, be role models, and stop depending solely on money from husbands. “Women should use their brains and hands to support themselves, educate their children, and provide basic needs,” she said. She also cautioned against disrespecting spouses and encouraged more participation in creative projects to generate income and support families.

Story By: Tugume Muzafaru

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