A five days parked week of activities finally ended on Tuesday 27th September 2016, marking the World Tourism Day. The activities included among others, The Ankole Region Media engagement, which brought together more than 27 journalists from different media houses in both Mbarara and greater Bushenyi, to learn and enhance their capacity especially in Tourism/wildlife reporting. This was led by Dr. Steven Asiimwe, the CEO, Uganda Tourism Board, organized by the communications team of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities.
The #Ankole Tourism Development Forum at Lake View Hotel brought in many tourism partners to discuss Tourism successes, challenges and way forward, all as one team, aiming at Unlocking Uganda’s tourism Potential.
The activities also included an official opening of a new #tourism information office; a Tourism debate and students engagements at Mbarara University of Science and Tecnology and Ntare School; a visit to the beautiful sights of Buwheju, and an engagement with Buwheju District local government officials about promoting and Establishment of a home stead in the region.
All these activities came to a climax yesterday 27th September, when the rest of Mbarara gathered in Kakyeka Stadium, the ceremonial grounds for Uganda’s World Tourism Day celebrations. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda represented the President. He together with the Hon Prof Kamuntu, Minister for Tourism Wildlife and Antiquties, and Hon Godfrey Kiwanda, State Minister MTWA, led the procession into inspecting the exhibitions, and later addressed the audience.
The Rt Hon. Prime Minister commended the work of The Two Hon. Ministers for TWA, Hon Kamuntu and Hon Kiwanda Ssubi upon the zeal, Charisma and energy they have put in the Tourism sector just a few months after their placement.
He commended all the tourism Agencies, both government and Private, in promoting the Tourism Sector together as one.
The role played by social media and in particular the Tourism teams during the tourism week was referred to as “a job well done”
The Prime Minister noted that Government is considering reviving the National Airline, which will among others enhance the promotion of Tourism. He also declared Uganda’s peace and security which is maintained for easy movements within and outside the country.
He also recognized the PWDS as normal citizens with full rights to access the country’s privileges.
The Prime Minister concluded by inviting travelers to Visit Uganda and experience the unique Tourism Treasures of the Pearl of Africa.