Mudavadi made the remarks after visiting the caves on Saturday, December 27, 2025, where he toured the unique rock formations and reflected on their deep cultural and spiritual importance.
The site, locally known as Hango Humulogoli—the home of Mulogoli, the legendary founder of the Maragoli people—is widely regarded as the community’s sacred origin space and spiritual womb.
The Prime CS described the caves as a remarkable natural and cultural treasure, formed by massive boulders resting upon each other to create winding hollow passages.
The Prime CS described the caves as a remarkable natural and cultural treasure, formed by massive boulders resting upon each other to create winding hollow passages.
He noted that walking through the caves evokes a sense of mythology, history and identity deeply rooted in the Maragoli people’s worldview.
“Stepping inside feels like entering a mythical underworld, rich with history, folklore and spiritual meaning,” Mudavadi said in a message shared on X on Sunday, December 28.
“Stepping inside feels like entering a mythical underworld, rich with history, folklore and spiritual meaning,” Mudavadi said in a message shared on X on Sunday, December 28.
“It is a place that invites reflection and appreciation of who we are and where we come from.”
Mudavadi said the government recognises the cultural value of the Mungoma Caves and their potential to serve as both a heritage landmark and a tourism destination.
Mudavadi said the government recognises the cultural value of the Mungoma Caves and their potential to serve as both a heritage landmark and a tourism destination.
He assured residents that the site will be elevated to national shrine status, giving it formal recognition while protecting its cultural integrity.
According to the Prime CS, the elevation process will involve close collaboration between the Ministries of Tourism and Wildlife, and Sports, Culture and Heritage.
According to the Prime CS, the elevation process will involve close collaboration between the Ministries of Tourism and Wildlife, and Sports, Culture and Heritage.
He said a structured development framework will be proposed to guide the transformation of the site into a sustainable destination that benefits both the local community and the country at large.
The proposed framework will prioritise improved road access, reliable power connectivity and adequate water supply, all of which are critical to attracting visitors while preserving the site’s natural character.
The proposed framework will prioritise improved road access, reliable power connectivity and adequate water supply, all of which are critical to attracting visitors while preserving the site’s natural character.
Mudavadi emphasised that community empowerment will be central to the plan, ensuring residents play an active role in managing and benefiting from the shrine.
“Our goal is to position Mungoma Caves not only as a treasured heritage site, but also as a picnic and tourism destination with national and global appeal,” he said.
“Our goal is to position Mungoma Caves not only as a treasured heritage site, but also as a picnic and tourism destination with national and global appeal,” he said.
“This must be done in a way that respects culture, protects the environment and creates real economic opportunities for the people.”
Beyond infrastructure, Mudavadi stressed the importance of cultural preservation and storytelling, noting that heritage sites gain meaning when communities are involved in interpreting and safeguarding their history.
The visit to the caves was part of a broader festive-season engagement with residents of Vihiga County.
Beyond infrastructure, Mudavadi stressed the importance of cultural preservation and storytelling, noting that heritage sites gain meaning when communities are involved in interpreting and safeguarding their history.
The visit to the caves was part of a broader festive-season engagement with residents of Vihiga County.
A day earlier, on Friday, December 26, Mudavadi joined the Maragoli community at the Mbale Municipal Grounds for celebrations marking the annual Logooli Cultural Festival, held under the theme “Uvami ni Miandu,” loosely translated to mean “Leadership is wealth.”
He described the event as vibrant and purposeful, praising organisers for deliberately involving young people in cultural activities.
He described the event as vibrant and purposeful, praising organisers for deliberately involving young people in cultural activities.
According to Mudavadi, youth inclusion is essential for ensuring cultural traditions remain relevant in a rapidly changing society.
“Young people bring fresh ideas, energy and talent,” he said.
“Young people bring fresh ideas, energy and talent,” he said.
“To remain future-focused, our cultural institutions must intentionally create space for new voices, or risk losing touch with the generation that carries our future.”
Mudavadi also noted that the Logooli Cultural Festival, now in its 46th year, is steadily approaching a historic milestone, with its Golden Jubilee at 50 years firmly in sight.
Mudavadi also noted that the Logooli Cultural Festival, now in its 46th year, is steadily approaching a historic milestone, with its Golden Jubilee at 50 years firmly in sight.
He said the longevity of the festival reflects the resilience of Maragoli culture and the importance of structured cultural preservation.
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