GOD IS REWRITING THE STORY OF KANUNGU: FROM THE HOME OF KIBWETERE TO THE HOME OF GORILLAS, CLIMBING LIONS AND MINERALS- By Dr. Ahimbisibwe Gad Rugaju, PhD

Uganda is indeed the Pearl of Africa, as described by Winston Churchill in 1908 for its natural beauty, hospitality and wealth. Within this Pearl lies the Kigezi Sub-Region, fondly referred to as the Switzerland of Africa because of its cool climate, misty rolling hills, terraced mountains and hardworking people.

And at the heart of the Switzerland of Africa lies our own Kanungu District.

For over two decades, Kanungu was known for one dark chapter: as the home of Joseph Kibwetere and the inferno of the Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments on 17th March 2000. That tragedy gave us stigma and shame. Whenever we introduced ourselves outside, people asked, “Is that the place of Kibwetere?”

But our God is in the business of changing names and rewriting stories.

THE BIBLICAL PATTERN – WHEN GOD CHANGES A NAME, HE CHANGES DESTINY

In an exclusive interview at my office in Kihihi Town Council, I shared this truth with the reporter: God does not call you what people call you; He calls you what He created you to be.

The Bible gives us clear examples:

1. Abram to Abraham – Genesis 17:5

Abram meant “exalted father.” Abraham means “father of a multitude of nations.” God changed him from a childless old man to the father of nations to show the expansion of his destiny.

2. Sarai to Sarah – Genesis 17:15

Sarai meant “my princess.” Sarah means “princess of nations.” God lifted her from private pain and barrenness to become a mother of kings.

3. Jacob to Israel – Genesis 32:28; 35:10

Jacob meant “supplanter and deceiver.” Israel means “a prince who strives with God.” After wrestling with God at Peniel, his character was transformed and a nation was born from him. This is the clearest picture of Kanungu.

4. Simon to Peter – John 1:42; Matthew 16:18

Simon meant “he has heard.” Peter (Cephas) means “rock.” Jesus changed an unstable fisherman into the foundation rock of the Church.

5. Saul to Paul – Acts 13:9

Saul meant “asked for.” Paul means “small or humble.” After his encounter on the Damascus road, God changed his assignment from persecutor of Christians to Apostle to the Gentiles.

6. Hoshea to Joshua – Numbers 13:16

Changed by Moses under divine instruction, from “salvation” to “The Lord Saves.” He was transformed from a spy into the leader who took Israel to Canaan.

*7. Solomon to Jedidiah – 2 Samuel 12:25*

God gave him a second name through Prophet Nathan meaning “beloved of the Lord,” to show forgiveness and divine choice to build the Temple.

The pattern is consistent: God changes a name to announce a new covenant, character and future. That is exactly what He has done for Kanungu.

FROM SHAME TO GLORY – THE NEW IDENTITY OF KANUNGU

Today, Kanungu is no longer defined by death. God has blessed us with a triple heritage that the whole world envies:

1. Kanungu, the Home of Gorillas: We host the world-famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Kayonza and Mpungu Sub-counties. This 25,000-year-old forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and shelters almost 50% of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorillas.

2. Kanungu, the Home of Climbing Lions: In Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, found in Kihihi and Nyamirama Town Councils, Kanungu hosts one of only two populations in the world of tree-climbing lions that rest on giant fig trees. This is a wonder that BBC and National Geographic travel thousands of miles to film.

3. Kanungu, the Home of Minerals: As the Deputy RDC in charge of supervising mining compliance, I can confirm Kanungu is one of the most mineral-endowed districts in East Africa. We have Gold deposits in Kanoni Hill, Kayungwe, Kanyashogye, Kayonza, Matanda and Muramba; high-grade Iron Ore in Butogota which is part of over 200 million tonnes of proven reserves in South-Western Uganda; and high-value 3Ts – Wolfram, Tin and Coltan – plus Beryl and Columbite-Tantalite at Bulema Mine.

KANUNGU IS NO LONGER HARD TO REACH

What once kept our people away is now history. I move across this district daily and I can testify:

Kanungu, which was known for bad, dusty and impassable roads, now boasts first-class tarmac from Kampala to Kanungu Town via Nyamirama and Kihihi Town. The Rukungiri-Kihihi-Ishasha-Kanungu road is fully tarmacked, smooth, safe and scenic.

We now have first-class hotels and lodges that meet international standards, including Savannah Resort Hotel in Kihihi, Meizimera Eco Resort, Goro Hotels in the heart of Kihihi Town, Chameleon Hill Lodge and Bwindi Lodges.

For those who prefer air transport, you can now fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield with Aerolink Uganda and other chartered flights directly to Kihihi Airstrip in just one hour. The airstrip is only 30 minutes from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

A CALL TO THE DIASPORA AND TO THE NATION

This transformation is not just about pride; it is about prosperity. According to the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Statistical Abstract 2025, tourism contributed UGX 6.06 Trillion to GDP, created 803,000 jobs representing 7.2% of all employment, and earned a record USD 1.7 Billion in 2025 from 1.65 million visitors. Every tourist who tracks a gorilla in Bwindi or sees a climbing lion in Ishasha puts money directly into the pocket of a Munyakanungu.

Therefore, to all Banyabutumbi, Bakiga, Bahororo and Bafumbira sons and daughters of Kanungu living in Kampala, Wakiso, Mbarara, Nairobi, Kigali, London, USA, Canada and across the world – this is my personal appeal as your Deputy RDC:

Do not let a stranger tell the story of your homeland. The shame has been washed away. The road has been built. The hotels are ready.

I call upon you to embrace domestic tourism. Know your country, love your country, enjoy your country and tell a story about your country – Uganda.

Come back home. Bring your children to see the gorillas. Bring your friends to see the climbing lions. Come and invest in a lodge, in responsible mining, in commercial farming and in building a home. Come and be part of rewriting the story.

My office in Kihihi, Kanungu is open to all diaspora members who wish to return, invest or visit. I assure you of total security, government support and my personal commitment to serve you.

From the home of Kibwetere to the home of Gorillas, Climbing Lions and Minerals – God has changed our name. Let us now live up to that new name.

For God and My Country.

Dr. Ahimbisibwe Gad Rugaju, PhD