The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities has called on tourism stakeholders in Eastern Uganda to work together to promote the region’s tourism potential and create economic opportunities for local communities.
The call was made during the media launch of the tourism month activities in Mbale City, where government officials and city leaders highlighted the region’s cultural heritage, landscapes and tourism attractions.
Joseph Ssebunya from the Ministry of Tourism said Mbale was selected to host the launch to increase awareness of tourism products in Eastern Uganda and ensure that local communities and businesses benefit from increased visitor numbers.
“The decision to hold the launch in Mbale is intended to increase awareness of the tourism products in this region and enable local communities and businesses to benefit from increased visitor numbers,” Ssebunya said.
He said tourism should not be viewed as a one-day event, noting that visitors spend money on accommodation, food, transport and other services, allowing income to circulate within the local economy.
“Tourism activities should not be treated as a one-day event because visitors spend money on accommodation, food, transport and other services. This allows income to circulate within the local economy,” he said.
Ssebunya also urged the media to broaden tourism coverage by telling stories about local communities, entrepreneurs, culture, landscapes and experiences rather than focusing only on traditional tourism narratives.
He encouraged journalists and media houses to use their platforms to promote Eastern Uganda as a destination with diverse tourism products and experiences.
The month-long programme includes sports and tourism games, exhibitions, cultural activities and other events aimed at promoting tourism in the region.
The official World Tourism Day celebrations are scheduled for September 27, with the programme expected to be officiated by President Yoweri Museveni. A free music concert is also planned for the evening.
Kassim Waboga, Assistant City Clerk, Assembly Leader and Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee, said Mbale City was honoured to host the celebrations.
“Mbale City is honoured to host these celebrations because tourism has an important role to play in creating employment, supporting businesses and promoting our culture and heritage,” Waboga said.
He said the city was working to improve cleanliness, safety, accessibility and the general visitor experience ahead of the celebrations.
Waboga also called for cooperation among government, the private sector, local communities and development partners to ensure that the tourism activities benefit residents.
Mbale City Mayor Joyce Kidulu Matuka, who is hosting the celebrations, urged tourism stakeholders, particularly hotels and businesses, to prepare for the expected visitors and work together to market the region.
“Our cultural heritage and tourism sites provide us with an opportunity to attract visitors and generate economic activity for our people,” Matuka said.
The mayor also called for tourism activities to continue beyond the celebrations so that Eastern Uganda can attract visitors throughout the year.
She urged hotels, tour operators, cultural institutions, entrepreneurs and other businesses to take advantage of the celebrations to showcase what the region has to offer.
The officials said the celebrations are intended to showcase Eastern Uganda as a tourism destination while creating opportunities for local communities, young people, women, entrepreneurs and other businesses.
The activities are also expected to strengthen collaboration among tourism stakeholders and encourage greater investment in the region’s tourism sector.
By SAAKA IBURAHIM NATITI