Kigezi Diocese Plans Faith-Based Tourism Hub at Revival Centre

The Anglican Diocese of Kigezi has announced ambitious plans to redevelop the East African Revival Convention centre, located on Rugarama hill in Kabale town, into a prominent faith-based tourism site.

Bishop Rt Rev Gaddie Akanjuna revealed the vision during a fundraising event for the diocese’s shopping mall. He stated that architectural designs and plans are already underway to upgrade the convention centre, which was a focal point during the 1935 East African Revival movement.

“We want to upgrade this convention centre not only into a faith-based tourism site but to preserve it for the future generation to appreciate how the East African Revival Movement started in Kigezi region,” Bishop Akanjuna explained. He added that retired UPDF commander Maj Gen Timothy Mutebile has provided draft designs for the project.

The plan includes erecting monuments of key Christian figures who led the revival movement in the Kigezi region. Canon Ivan Batuma Mbabazi, head of laity for the Diocese and chairman of the Kigezi tourism cluster, welcomed the initiative, appealing for government and public financial support, drawing parallels to the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo.

“Once this proposal is achieved, religious tourism will add value to the already existing tourism attractions in the Kigezi sub-region and Uganda in general,” Canon Mbabazi commented. He emphasized the importance of commemorating the revival’s pioneers to inspire younger Christians.

President Yoweri Museveni has previously expressed support for establishing a museum dedicated to the East African Revival, acknowledging its cultural and historical significance for Uganda and humanity. The movement, which began in the early 1930s, gained significant traction in Kigezi in 1935 before spreading to other parts of the region.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kigezi-diocese-to-turn-revival-convention-centre-into-faith-based-tourism-site-5602376