Kasese to host World Tourism Day celebrations

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Kasese district has been selected to host World Tourism Day celebrations, which are slated for September 27, 2024. 

The celebrations, which are expected to be graced by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the chief guest, highlight tourism's vital role in fostering cultural connections, driving investment and promoting sustainable development. 

Speaking to New Vision Online on September 23, 2024, at Mayor's Gardens in Kasese municipality, district chief administrative officer Elias Byamungu said the district is a good choice considering the prevailing peace and stability, the natural endowments such as national parks, lakes, rivers, mountains and heritage sites among others.

"Over the years, Kasese has been talked about negatively but we have done a lot to resolve matters and Tourism Day will send a signal to the world that Kasese is peaceful and safe," he said.

Safety ensured

Kasese has for long been characterised by political, cultural and land tensions, which were a threat to the tourism industry with the most recent one being the June 16, 2023, attack by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels on Uganda-DR Congo border-based Mpondwe Lhubiriha SSS, which left over 40 lives claimed, several abducted and others hospitalised.

The district organising committee for the World Tourism Day pose for a photo. (Photo by Samuel Amanyire)

However, the Government has beefed up security along the border with DR Congo 

According to Byamungu, shortly after the ambush on foreign tourists, the Government planted several army detaches in the the middle of the national parks, introduced surveillance drone cameras, constant patrols by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) personnel among others security strategies to ensure the safety of tourists.

The Uganda army also killed some ADF rebels and arrest their command Njovu who allegedly attacked the tourists. The same army in conjunction with the Congolese army under Operation Shujaa managed to attack and demolish most ADF camps in the jungles of DRC, especially in Mwalika Valley bringing about the prevailing peace and stability in the region.

Locals embrace tourism

Queen Elizabeth National Park chief Warden Pontious Ezuma said after the security enhancement within the park, the turn up of foreign visitors has more than doubled.

"Even the local people have embraced visiting the park," Ezuma said.

Activities 

Kasese district tourism officer Jovia Mbambu said several activities will take place a few days prior to the main event, including the interschool competitions, football and bicycle cycling.

"We intend to prioritise tourism as the change game for social economic development," Jovia said.