culture 20 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
UNESCO Experts Evaluate Kibiro Salt Gardens for World Heritage Recognition
UNESCO heritage experts are assessing the Kibiro hot springs and traditional salt-mining gardens in Hoima District for potential World Heritage status. Local leaders believe this recognition could spur investment, enhance tourism, and safeguard ancient cultural practices. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/unesco-experts-assess-kibiro-salt-gardens-for-world-heritage-status-5638752
A team of experts from the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), an advisory body to UNESCO, has recently visited Kibiro in Hoima District. Their objective was to evaluate the unique salt-mining gardens and hot springs for their potential inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
This assessment is a crucial step in Uganda’s bid to secure global recognition for Kibiro. Local leaders and community members are hopeful that World Heritage status will not only bring international attention to the site but also attract necessary investment. Such investment is seen as vital for developing the area’s tourism potential and ensuring the preservation of the centuries-old salt-mining traditions that are central to the local culture.
The ICOMOS team engaged with various stakeholders during their visit, gathering crucial information and discussing strategies to strengthen the nomination dossier. The traditional salt extraction methods practiced in Kibiro are a significant part of the site’s cultural and historical value, setting it apart as a unique heritage asset.
Securing World Heritage status is expected to provide a framework for sustainable management and conservation of the site, protecting its natural beauty and cultural significance for future generations. It also offers an opportunity to boost the local economy through increased tourism and cultural heritage-related activities.