The Namisindwa District Local Government has announced plans to organise an annual bullfighting competition as part of efforts to boost tourism and local revenue in the district.
The decision was revealed by Rogers Walyama, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Namisindwa, during the closing ceremony of bullfighting activities held on Sunday evening at Luwa Town Council.
Bullfighting is a popular cultural and recreational event in the three Bugisu districts of Bududa, Manafwa, and Namisindwa, where farmers bring their bulls to compete. The owners of the winning bulls often earn prizes, including cash, from attending politicians and well-wishers.
According to Walyama, the district intends to make the competition an annual event involving teams from all three districts, in order to promote tourism, attract visitors, and generate income for both locals and the district. He said the event would enable residents to benefit financially from the sale of goods and services while the district collects taxes from the activities, which draw thousands of spectators from within and outside the region.
Peace Khalayi, the NRM Candidate for the Namisindwa District Woman MP seat, welcomed the initiative, saying it will promote both Namisindwa and the greater Bugisu region globally. She noted that Bugisu now boasts two distinct cultural attractions, circumcision and bullfighting, that can place the region on the world tourism map.
Khalayi also appealed to the government to construct a modern, organised bullfighting arena with seating for spectators, pledging to champion the cause if elected in the upcoming general elections.
Metrine Musufwa, the NRM candidate for the Namisindwa County parliamentary seat, urged residents to embrace and support the initiative, saying it will market the district and bring national attention to the area. Samuel Watulo from Bududa District and Peter Wamatabo from Namisindwa, whose bulls emerged victorious in the recent competitions, praised the district’s plan, saying it will encourage more people to invest in animal rearing and cultural sports.
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