Hoima District | THE BLACK EXAMINER | Women involved in salt mining at Kibiro landing site in Kigorobya county, Hoima district, are expressing concerns about the absence of a market for their salt products and the escalating deforestation, which is affecting their livelihoods.

These concerns came to light when a group of more than 400 local tourists, led by the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, visited Kibiro hot springs to observe salt mining and production activities in the region.

Judith Katusabe, one of the salt miners in the area, highlighted their difficulties in obtaining firewood, a crucial resource for salt production, due to extensive tree felling in the area. She also mentioned their struggle to finance their children’s education despite having salt resources nearby.

Grace Sabiiti, another salt miner, pointed out the challenge of a lack of market access, exacerbated by the hilly terrain that makes it hard for them to reach market centers. She called for the government to establish a modern market in the area to boost salt sales.

Rev. Eddie Akora, the parish priest of Kirgorobya Church of Uganda, urged the government to support local communities and their products, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing these communities in service delivery to advance government initiatives in the region.

Meanwhile, State Minister Martin Mugaara Bahinduka, along with local celebrities like Pallaso, Spice Diana, and Golola Moses, launched a painting campaign to restore one of the old buildings at Kigorobya COU Primary School. Minister Mugaara explained that as part of their nationwide exploration campaigns, they engage in corporate social responsibility efforts to support and make a positive impact on the communities they visit.

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