Uganda’s “pearl” reclaimed: the pioneer kigezi scheme

Uganda has often been described as “the pearl of Africa.” Other African countries might contest this statement, but Kigezi is undoubtedly the pearl of Uganda. It is one of the smallest districts in the Protectorate, consisting of 2,045 sq. miles tucked away in the south-western corner bordering the Belgian Congo, and yet it would be difficult anywhere in the world to find such varied and beautiful scenery in so small an area. The altitude ranges from 3,000 ft. at Lake Edward to 13,547 ft., the summit of Mt. Muhambura in the Birunga Range of volcanoes and the third highest peak in Uganda. The south of the district is mountainous with scattered lakes, of which sinuous Lake Bunyoni is particularly beautiful. In talking of Kigezi one tends to use only superlatives.