UTA boss lambasts tour operator quirks

By Mary Machocho 

The Uganda Tourism Association President (UTA), Herbert Byaruhanga, on Thursday pointed out to tour operators and guides the need of belonging to Association which umbrellas all tourism associations in Uganda.

“If you do not belong to any association then you are a quirk,” said Byaruhanga whilst addressing the tour operators and guides.

He emphasized the need for joining the Association as the only way they can have their voices heard by government.

He said that the benefits accrued as a result of joining an association are far much more than when an operator acts as an individual entity.

The associations vary from Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) to Uganda Safari Guides Association (USAGA), Association of Uganda Tour Operators (TOGATA), Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (HTTI), Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA), and Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA).

According to Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) Deputy chief executive officer, John Ssempebwa, once a tour operator, guide or travel agent has been licensed the benefits include free listing on the UTB directory which links one to all government websites including the ministries.

“If you are not a member of the private association you will miss a lot,” said Ssempebwa at the sensation dialogue at Uganda Museum.

UTA is the apex board of all associations.

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