Busoga Tourism Initiative intensifies domestic tourism promotion

Due to the immense political violence which often highlights National elections in Uganda, the country's tourism sector usually experiences its worst blow in post-election months.

According to the Association of Uganda Tour Operators, this arises from the fact that the industry is highly dependent on the foreign market.

Going by current projections as based on the current political—fights, Stephen Asiimwe Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Tourism Board despairs that this years may not be exceptional.

The Busoga Tourism Initiative, Uganda's oldest and most vibrant tourism cluster has embarked on an energetic campaign purposed to promote domestic tourism in the region which hosts Jinja, Uganda's adventure capital.

The move comes a few months after UTBs acknowledgement of BTI as the official tourism cluster for Busoga region.

According to the initiatives founder, also incumbent Chairperson, Balidawa Edward said the move is purposed to provide a more dependable alternative.

"This will not only facilitate the sustainability of the regions vast tourism attractions but also widen the tax base for the country," said Balidawa.

Unlike in their first years where they primarily focused on increasing traffic to the region, Sylvia Kalembe a Senior Tourism Officer with UTB says BTI will focus on creating experiences that will make tourists of Busoga stay longer.

Thus, unlike in the past where BTI used to host only three activities per year namely the Kagulu Hill climbing challenge and the Bishop Hanington Memorial tour, Busoga Tourism Expo, they have created a day long adventure trail of little known attractions with rich histories and fulfilling experiences.

Such include Igenge-the official Kyabazinga residence, Mutai cultural center-a traditional Kisoga homestead, Budhumbula palace-where two Busoga kings are buried, St. Gonzaga Gonza-the the birthplace for Uganda's youngest martyr, Nhenda Hill-where governor Cohen settled, Hannington memorial site-where Bishop Hanington was martyred, St. Matia Mulumba site-birthplace of Uganda's first and eldest catholic martyr, Kagulu rock-where Bunyoro princes first landed in Busoga.

"In the same spirit of encouraging all to embrace domestic tourism, BTI is offering this for a fee of sh50, 000 covering transport, food, entrance to the sites among others. The offer expires in January 2017," Balidawa said.