______________

HOIMA - Hoima city dwellers are preparing for the first Hoima City Carnival as one of the activities to commemorate the International Tourism Day, which will be commemorated.

Hundreds of people from all corners of the country are expected to throng the first edition of the Hoima City carnival which will be held on Saturday.

On Tuesday morning, the city's Booma Grounds, Government Road, Coronation Road and other strategic parts of the city were all littered with banners of different business companies and people selling snacks, clothes and accessories.

City mayor Brian Kaboyo said the carnival is part of the events to commemorate Tourism Day, which will be celebrated on Wednesday.

“The carnival will work as a platform to rally city dwellers together and celebrate the city. The festival is aimed at preserving history and tradition and strives to stimulate the local economy, entertain and involve the community and visitors in a fun–filled atmosphere,” Kaboyo said.

Preparations are underway for the international tourism day in Hoima City. (Credit: Wilson Asiimwe)

Deputy city clerk Oola Donato said they have lined up several musicians to entertain the city dwellers.

“We Expect very many people and we have organised different activities in the city, people should come and explore Hoima and that is a way of promoting domestic tourism,” Donato said.

There is a heavy presence of unformed and non-uniformed security officers ready to take on whoever will try to cause chaos in the city’s biggest event.

Hoima east Deputy Resident City Commissioner William Kasigazi said they have tightened security because they expect many people.

“We don’t want to take risks and that’s why we have deployed in every corner of Hoima town. We need the people to celebrate without any interruptions,” Kasigazi said.