Uganda Launches Tourism Month in Push for More Domestic Tourism

(Kampala) – Ugandans have been encouraged to increase their participation in local tourism in order to explore the natural beauty of their country. During the launch of Tourism Month at Fairway Hotel in Kampala, State Minister for Tourism, Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, expressed concern over the limited enthusiasm shown by Ugandans towards domestic tourism, despite the country being rich in natural attractions.

Bahinduka highlighted Uganda’s many beautiful features, ranging from mountains to game parks, which remain underappreciated by local residents. He called upon Ugandans to take advantage of these unique experiences and actively participate in exploring their country.

The minister also announced that this year’s World Tourism Day in Uganda will be celebrated in Kasese district, at the Nyakasanga grounds, under the theme “Tourism and Peace.” He explained that Kasese was chosen for the event because of its significant natural attractions and its transformation from a region with past security challenges to one that now enjoys peace. Bahinduka encouraged Ugandans to travel to Kasese or, if unable, to visit other scenic locations in Uganda with their families.

A variety of events have been organized to mark Tourism Month, with activities leading up to World Tourism Day on September 27. These include a series of events in different locations across the country, providing opportunities for Ugandans to engage in the tourism sector.

Some of the key activities include the Kampala Schools Engagement Week at Makerere University Business School, which begins on Friday, and the Miss Tourism Grand Finale at Serena Hotel, scheduled for Saturday. Other planned events include the Annual Tourism Program Review at Hotel Africana, cultural enterprise exhibitions at the National Theatre, and a Peace Conference at Rwenzori International Hotel in Kasese.

The celebration in Kasese will also feature the exploration of the Rwenzori Mountains and the commissioning of a new equator monument at Kikorongo, further showcasing the natural wonders of the region. A medical camp and trade exhibitions will be held at Nyakasanga grounds, allowing visitors to experience the cultural and economic vibrancy of the district.

Elias Byamungu, the Chief Administrative Officer of Kasese district, assured tourists of reliable security during the celebrations. He emphasized that Kasese is now a safe destination, ready to welcome visitors. James Musinguzi, the executive director of Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center, also emphasized the role of tourism in promoting peace within the country. He encouraged Ugandans to engage in peace-building activities, starting from their homes, as a way to foster national unity and harmony.

In an innovative addition to the festivities, a robot was unveiled during the launch, which will accompany tourists throughout the Tourism Month activities, symbolizing the integration of technology in enhancing the tourism experience.

The Ugandan government hopes that through increased local participation, the tourism sector will grow, benefiting not only the economy but also fostering national pride in the country’s natural and cultural heritage.

In other tourism news, the government, through the National Forestry Authority (NFA), has officially opened Bugoma Central Forest Reserve in Kikuube district for chimpanzee trekking, a move aimed at promoting both tourism and the conservation of the forest’s rich biodiversity. The launch is expected to generate revenue and create jobs within the local tourism sector while enhancing efforts to protect the forest’s wildlife.

Speaking at the event, Walter Akwasa, the research coordinator for the Bugoma Primate Conservation Project, emphasized the importance of engaging young people in environmental protection to combat the ongoing degradation of nature. The project focuses on both researching and promoting the conservation of chimpanzees and mangabey monkeys within the Bugoma Forest Reserve.

Akwasa highlighted the need to educate young people, particularly students, about the negative impacts of environmental degradation. He believes that empowering the next generation with knowledge about the importance of conservation will ensure a more sustainable future. Many schools currently prioritize academics over environmental education, and the Bugoma conservation project aims to bridge this gap by supporting schools in teaching students conservation skills.

Akwasa stressed that conservation efforts must involve the local community, as their understanding and support are crucial to the long-term success of protecting the forest. He emphasized that while conservation focuses on preserving the forest, the ultimate goal is to benefit people and future generations. He also noted that community conservation should be an ongoing process.

The decision to open Bugoma Forest to ecotourism comes after the successful habituation of two chimpanzee communities: Mwera North and Mwera South, each with approximately 60 to 70 chimpanzees. The Mwera South chimpanzee group has been designated for ecotourism, while Mwera North is reserved for research. This development will allow tourists to experience the rich biodiversity of the forest while contributing to conservation efforts.

NFA spokesperson Juliet Mubi explained that several measures have been implemented to protect the forest, including increased patrolling, the deployment of military personnel, and the opening of forest boundaries to prevent encroachment. She expressed optimism that the ecotourism initiative will contribute not only to the conservation of Bugoma Forest but also to the government’s revenue.

Bugoma Forest is home to over 300 chimpanzees, and the introduction of chimpanzee trekking is expected to attract both local and international tourists. The initiative is seen as a significant step towards ensuring the protection of the forest, which has faced challenges from encroachment and degradation in recent years.

The NFA hopes that by opening the forest to ecotourism, they can create awareness about the importance of conservation while providing economic benefits to the surrounding community.

Jinja Tourism Institute Gets Vehicles for Practical Skills Training

The government has provided two specialized vehicles to the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI) in Jinja, aimed at enhancing the training of students in hospitality and tourism skills. The vehicles, a driver training car and a customized mobile catering truck, were handed over by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Doreen Katusiime, at an event held at the Uganda Museum in Kampala on September 2, 2024.

UHTTI principal Richard Kawere expressed gratitude for the donation, emphasizing the importance of the vehicles in equipping students with practical skills essential for their future careers. He noted that the driver training vehicle would play a key role in preparing students pursuing tourism, while the mobile catering truck would support those focusing on hospitality and catering services.

“These vehicles will play a crucial role in equipping students with essential driving and catering skills,” Kawere said during the handover.

The vehicles were provided under the Competitive Enterprise Development of Uganda, a World Bank-funded project being implemented by the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU). This initiative aims to improve the capacity of institutions like UHTTI to deliver world-class training in hospitality and tourism.

Daniel Kazungu, the publicist for UHTTI, explained that the mobile catering truck would also be used for outside catering services and mobile hospitality clinics aimed at training food vendors and other hospitality professionals. The vehicle is equipped with the necessary tools to facilitate these activities, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience in real-world scenarios.

Kazungu also mentioned that the driver training vehicle would help students acquire essential driving skills, which are crucial for those pursuing careers in tourism where transportation plays a significant role.

In addition to the vehicle donation, the government has made substantial investments in upgrading the institute’s infrastructure. Projects include the construction of a three-star hotel at a cost of UGX 24 billion, as well as UGX 19 billion allocated for general institute infrastructure. The institute has also received a bus and a van to further support its operations.

With over 700 students enrolled in various hospitality-related courses, UHTTI is positioning itself as a center of excellence for tourism and hospitality training in Uganda.