To use tourism as a tool to communicate President Yoweri Museveni wants Ugandans to communicate to the world that Uganda is a peaceful country.
To celebrate the World Tourism Day on Friday Uganda joined the world. The national celebrations were held in Kasese municipality at Nyakasanga play ground.
The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Col Tom R Butiime read the President’s message saying that Museveni said tourism plays and continues to play a critical role in rebuilding communities, restoring hope and fostering peace.
“It is through revamping tourism activities that the regions are able to recover, create jobs, rebuild infrastructure and offer the local people a bright future.” He added.
A lot of resources have been invested by the government in improving tourism and through different campaigns they have enhanced awareness of the region’s tourism potentials.
“The local leadership of Kasese and the entire region for their unwavering support of integrating tourism into development planning.” Museveni applauded.
“In a world often marked with division and conflict, tourism acts as a beacon of hope bringing people together and fostering reconciliation.” Doreen Katusiime the Permanent Secretary at the Minister of Tourist, Aquatics and Wildlife said.
If there is peace, she said tourism can only flourish.
Frederieke Quispel the Netherlands Ambassador to Uganda said that there was a need for Uganda to invest more in critical infrastructure that promotes sustainable tourism and peace such as transport and communication infrastructure.
To conserve nature, she noted that the need to have cross-border cooperation and work with the local community.
The Kasese District leadership reminded government of its pledge to uplift Kasese airfield to an international airport to further open up the region to the world.
“Tourism can go far in connecting Kasese to the world and thus wanted government to upgrade the airfield and better the access routes into the Rwenzori mountains.” the District Chairperson Muhindi Bukombi Eliphazi said.
Tourism and peace was this year’s theme.
The celebrations will be followed by a two days explore Rwenzori expedition.
