Cultural tourism has emerged as a powerful tool for preserving indigenous heritage, yet its implementation in marginalized communities requires careful examination. This study investigates the relationship between cultural tourism development and the preservation of Batwa heritage and traditions in Kisoro District, Uganda. Using a mixed- methods approach combining semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and participatory observation with 120 Batwa community members and 45 tourism stakeholders, the research reveals that structured cultural tourism programs have significantly contributed to the revitalization of traditional practices, including pottery, honey hunting, and forest-based rituals. However, commercialization pressures and unequal benefit distribution threaten the authenticity of cultural expressions. The findings underscore the need for community-led governance structures, equitable revenue-sharing mechanisms, and culturally sensitive tourism frameworks to ensure that cultural tourism serves both heritage preservation and community economic empowerment. The study contributes to the growing literature on indigenous tourism and offers a replicable model for similar communities across East Africa.