Eastern Uganda, a region brimming with natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, is struggling to attract tourists due to government neglect and poor marketing efforts. According to tourism industry experts and regional leaders, the eastern region receives only a meager 10 percent of the total tourists who visit the country. This dismal figure is attributed to a combination of factors, including inadequate marketing, subpar road networks, and the government’s biased promotion of tourism in other regions, leaving the east in the shadows.
Tourist Destinations in Eastern Uganda:
- Mount Elgon National Park
- Sipi Falls
- Lake Victoria
- Nyero Rock
- Source of the Nile
- Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
- Wanale Hill
- Kagulu Hill
- Tororo Rock
- Bugisu Cultural Centre
- Evergreen and Bamboo Forests
- Magnificent Waterfalls
- Stunning Peaks
- Unique Plants and Wildlife, including blue and colobus monkeys
Mr. Saleh Naminya, CEO of Casa Uganda Safaris and Lodges, emphasized that the region’s potential is hampered by neglect. Private players have taken the lead in promoting tourism activities in the area, as the government’s contribution remains inadequate. Tourism has the potential to generate employment opportunities for thousands of unemployed youth in the region.
Mr. Uthman Mugoya, Director of Mount Elgon Hotel-Mbale, highlighted the region’s abundant natural resources, including wildlife and scenic landscapes, which could significantly boost the country’s foreign exchange income if properly tapped. Despite being gifted by nature with favorable climate conditions, eastern Uganda struggles to attract the number of tourists it deserves.
Ms. Nabukonde Kiyayi Roukaya, the newly crowned Miss Tourism Uganda from Sironko District, urged the public and the government to focus on preserving culture, arts, and conservation for the sake of sustainability.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Joshua Cheptegei Development Foundation, is taking steps to promote the Elgon region as a tourism destination. The UNDP Elgon Half Marathon, scheduled for October 28 in Mbale, aims to raise awareness about climate change action and biodiversity conservation in the region, which is susceptible to climate-related disasters like landslides and floods.
Olympic Champion Joshua Cheptegei expressed his hope that the marathon event would elevate the profile of the Elgon region as a world-class tourism destination within the country.
Winnie Nambuba, the Senior Tourism Officer in Mbale City, stressed the importance of stakeholder cooperation in marketing the region’s tourism destination, acknowledging that a lack of collaboration has adversely affected the area.
Despite the potential for tourism growth, government negligence and inadequate promotion have left eastern Uganda’s hidden gems largely undiscovered by both domestic and international travelers. The region’s tourism industry remains in a state of untapped potential, with the government’s lackluster efforts hindering its growth.
