By Haron Okwir
Otuke, Uganda | The Ministry of Local Government has urged Otuke District to prioritize tourism and environmental protection as a key strategy under the Local Economic Development (LED) approach.
This was during a coaching, mentoring, and backstopping session held in the District Education Boardroom for members of the Local Economic Development Initiative Committee (LEDIC).
The session aimed to strengthen their ability to implement LED activities aligned with national development goals.
The training focused on LED planning, budgeting, stakeholder engagement, investment profiling, and monitoring.
It also emphasized the role of community-led enterprise development and private sector involvement.
Mrs. Ruth Kashaga, Senior Development Officer at the Ministry, told the committee that Otuke must stand out from other districts by protecting its unique resources.
She said Shea trees are an economic asset and urged the Environment and Natural Resources department to take the lead in conserving them.
She further advised the committee to focus on identifying and developing tourism sites to attract visitors and generate income for the district.
Participants said Otuke has many potential tourist attractions but lacks funds for development.
They requested support from the Ministry of Tourism in the form of development grants.
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer James Ingoi asked all department heads to submit proposals for potential projects.
He said ideas must be put in writing to access resources and called for more motivation in mobilizing development funds.
LEDIC members welcomed the training and pledged to implement the knowledge gained.
The Ministry promised continued technical support and regular follow-up to ensure successful implementation of the LED framework.
