Government has unveiled plans to redevelop Tooro Kingdom’s historic Muchwa Building in Fort Portal City into a multi-purpose cultural legacy centre aimed at preserving the kingdom’s heritage while promoting youth engagement, tourism, and economic sustainability.
President Museveni announced the initiative following a meeting at Rwakitura with the Prime Minister of Tooro Kingdom, Omuhikirwa Calvin Armstrong Rwomire, his deputy, and the kingdom’s ministers for Youth and Tourism.
The meeting reached a consensus on government support for the redevelopment of the iconic structure, which is regarded as an important symbol of Tooro’s cultural history.
“At Rwakitura, I met with the Prime Minister of Tooro Kingdom, Omuhikirwa Calvin Armstrong Rwomire, his Deputy, and the ministers of youth and tourism of the kingdom. We discussed and agreed that the government will support the redevelopment of the historic Muchwa Building in Fort Portal into a multi-purpose legacy centre to preserve Tooro’s cultural heritage, support youth engagement, promote tourism, and ensure economic sustainability,” President Museveni said.
The Muchwa Building is expected to be transformed into a hub for cultural exhibitions, educational programmes, youth activities, and tourism-related initiatives, positioning Fort Portal City as a key cultural and tourism destination in the Rwenzori region.
President Museveni emphasized that cultural heritage preservation is a vital component of national development, noting that well-managed cultural sites can generate employment, attract tourists, and strengthen national identity.
The redevelopment project will be implemented in collaboration with Tooro Kingdom leadership and relevant government agencies to ensure the centre serves both cultural and economic objectives.
The Muchwa Building, currently housing Uganda Pentecostal University, is the headquarters of Tooro Kingdom.
In 2016, the kingdom, through its then Premier Bernard Tugwako, had announced plans to convert the historic structure into a hotel, the Muchwa Royal Hotel. However, the proposal faced opposition from stakeholders, including Princess Elizabeth Bagaya, who argued that the building’s cultural and historical significance should be preserved. The plan was subsequently abandoned.
