Prime
The ‘Switzerland of Africa’
Kabale landscape
KABALE- Kabale was the seat of the former Kigezi District Administration. Its history dates as far back as 1889 when Uganda was still a British protectorate and was nicknamed ‘Switzerland of Africa’ because of the hilly nature and coldness.
It was consequently split into the four districts of Kabale and Rukungiri in the 1970s, and later Kisoro and Kanungu.
Ethnicity
Bakiga are the predominant inhabitants of Kabale. They occupy the counties of Ndorwa, Rubanda, Rukiga and Kabale Municipality, the largest urban area in Kigezi.
Apart from being known to be the home of the stout and majestic, bold, and hard working Bakiga ethnic group, Kabale is also defined by green, interlocking and heavily-cultivated hills that range from 1,219 metres (3,999 ft) to 2,347 metres (7,700 ft) above sea level.
It covers a land area of 1,864 square miles and has a population of about 600,000 people as projected from 2002 population census.
Wildlife
The district is home to the highly endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park, and of the world’s most endangered birds such as the African hill babbler, cinnamon bracken warbler, chubb’s cistocola, doherty’s Bush shrike, malachite sunbird, Yellow belled waxbill, olive thrush, streaky seed eater, common stone chart, and grauers rush warbler.
Lake Bunyonyi, the second deepest lake in Africa is found in Kabale.
Movers and shakers
Dr Placid Mihayo is the Executive Director Kabale Regional Referral Hospital. He turned part of the TB ward into a maternity ward to create more space for expectant mothers.
Shaka Ssali is the host of Voice of America’s Straight Talk Africa, which airs every Wednesday on local TV station, WBS.
Mr Adios Kyomukama is the district natural resources officer. He is known for his advocacy for sustainable utilisation of natural resources, especially tree planting campaign.
Mr Adrian Ndemere is the director African College of Commerce. He pioneered opening of private schools in Kigezi Sub-region. Ndemere proposed to the government for funding.
Augustine Rukiika Bujara is the town clerk Kabale Municipality. He is known for his quick implementation of the council resolutions and government programmes.
Benjamin Turyahikayo is the director National Teachers College, Kabale. He is one of the founder members of Kabale University. Turyahikayo, a cadre of the NRM party, has conducted cadre courses.
David Bahati is the MP Ndorwa West Constituency and the Chairman Kabale Parliamentary Forum. He was the head of finance at the population secretariat before he joined politics in 2006.
David Tibemanya is the senior hospital administrator at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital. He has ensured that the staff missing on the government pay roll are reinstated.
Edmand Tumushabe is the clerk to council and is the secretary district land board. He is known for his timely handling of the demands of the district councillors and settling of land wrangles.
Frank Ntaho is the Chief Administrative Officer. He is known for being strict on civil servants to ensure that government programmes are implemented.
Mr Patrick Besigye Keihwa: The district chairman was a radio presenter and manager before he joined politics. Keihwa also served as Kitumba Sub-county councillor.
Silver Baguma is the councillor for Ikumba Sub-county and also the former Kabale District chairman.
Timothy Twikirize is a young lawyer and proprietor of Twikirize and Company Advocates.
Tereza Mbire:. She is the founder of UWEAL Founder and co-founder of Uganda Women Financial Trust
Prof.George W. Kanyeihamba: He is a retired Supreme Court Judge
Vastina Beyendera is the district inspector of schools. She is known for promoting peace among teachers.
Dr Ruhakana Rugunda is the minister of health. He is one of the historical cadres of the NRM party. Rugunda is popular for helping many youths access education.
Prof Charles Kwesiga is the executive director of Uganda Industrial Research Institute. He started a crisps factory and bought a mushroom processor.
Prof Joy Kwesiga is the Vice Chancellor Kabale University and an advocate for women emancipation.
Rt Rev Callist Rubaramira is the Bishop of Kabale Diocese. He is prominent for promoting health insurance projects in the diocese.
Charles Mbire is a businessman, entrepreneur and industrialist in Uganda. The man, said to be one of the country’s wealthiest, is the MTN board chairman.
Amos Nzeyi: He is the board chairman for Crown Beverages and proprietor of Hot Loaf, Nando’s, White Horse Inn in Kabale, Palm Valley Golf Course and National Bank of Commerce.
Tumusiime-Mutebile is the Governor of Bank of Uganda. He was first appointed to that position on January 1, 2001, and was re-appointed for a second five-year term on January 1, 2006. In November 2010, he was re-appointed for a third five-year term, effective January 12, 2011.
Jack Sabiiti is the MP Rukiga County. He previously worked as Undersecretary in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and he is now the FDC party National Treasurer.
Henry Banyenzaki is the MP Rubanda West and the State minister for Economic Monitoring in the President’s office. He has promoted micro finance institutions in Kabale.
Dr Francis Runumi: He is the Commissioner (Planning) at the Ministry of Health.
Andrew Aja Baryayanga is the MP Kabale municipality. He beat former Tourism minister Serapio Rukundo’s in the 2011 elections.
Prof Peter Kazenga Tibenderana is the Vice-Chancellor Kampala International University
Anne Kansiime: The cheeky lady is a comedian, actress and a TV host.
Fr Gaetano Batanyenda is a priest, political commentator and chairperson for Inter-religious Council for Kigezi Sub-region.
Archbishop Stanley Ntagali: He is the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda. Archbishop Ntagali was the first Bishop of Masindi-Kitara Diocese.
Dr Abel Rwendeire: He is the deputy chairperson of National Planning Authority, and former minister of state for higher education. He also served as Rubanda County East MP.
Prof Augustus Nuwagaba is the Managing Consultant of REEV Consult International and is a poverty eradication consultant in the region.
Wilfred Niwagaba: A lawyer by profession, Niwagaba, who was recently expelled from the NRM party is the MP for Ndorwa East.
Dr Ezra Suruma: He is an economist, banker, senior adviser to the President on Finance and Economic Planning. Suruma is a former Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
Mzee Elinasani Bisamunyu was the first Member of Parliament for Kabale District. Bisamunyu, who is one of the oldest politicians in Kigezi sub-region, has love for education.
Rt. Rev. George Katwesigye is the outgoing Bishop of Kigezi Diocese. He is known for encouraging the clergy to go for higher education so as to serve God’s people effectively.
Rev. Can. Eng. George Bagamuhunda is the provincial secretary Church of Uganda and the Bishop-Elect of Kigezi Doicese. He helped establish Kigezi diocesan water scheme.
Dr Pius Ruhemurana is the Mayor Kabale Municipality and district FDC vice chairman. Ruhemurana is also the head of laity Kabale Diocese. He also offers maternity services.
Isaac Kawonawo is a youth leader and a manager Kampala International University, Kabale study centre. He previously worked as national youth treasurer for the NRM party.
Peter Niwagaba: is an established fuel dealer with several service stations in the country. He is also the secretary for finance Kabale Municipal Council.
Yosamu Baguma: He is the former LC5 of Kabale. It is his district council that passed the resolution to begin Kabale University.
Eng. Ivan Mbabazi Batuma: He is the proprietor of Voice of Kigezi FM, and is a hotelier.
Festo Karwemera: He is an elder and cultural adviser. Karwemera is also an author.
Shem Bageine: He is the Minister of State for EAC Affairs and former MP. He is also a businessman.
Perez Ahabwe: He is the former State Minister for Local Government former MP
