Mbale comes alive as World Tourism Day puts city in the spotlight

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Mbale knows how to welcome visitors. Ahead of World Tourism Day on September 27, 2026, the city seemed to decide that nobody should leave without a good story, a full stomach or a few new friends.

Restaurants, pubs and lodges got down to business, and by Thursday evening the city was already warming up.

At The Place Lovers Pub in Nakaloke, a dreadlocked singer took the stage and delivered a Lucky Dube rendition of “Born in Africa” so convincingly that patrons began digging into their pockets to reward him.

The music then rolled through an easy-going journey of 1980s reggae, Lingala and Afrigo Band classics. Heads nodded, fingers snapped and, before long, the audience was singing along. It was the sort of evening in which a stranger could become a drinking companion simply because both knew the words to the same old song.

Exhibition stalls showcasing services and products at Mbale High School. (Photo by Titus Kakembo)

The spirit of Uganda was audible as glasses of Uganda Waragi were clinked in a toast to a long life.

By Friday, Snap was the place to be.

Crates of beer, bottles of Uganda Waragi and wine appeared with remarkable efficiency. As the night wore on, the laughter grew louder, conversations became more adventurous, and the dancing more energetic.

Compliments flew freely across tables. Occasionally, a Kadodi dance move could be seen as chests trembled and backsides spun vigorously.

Friends who had arrived together disappeared into different dancing circles and returned with new friends. In Mbale, apparently, there was no need for introductions once the music was right.

Then came Saturday, coinciding with the national cleaning day.

Some visitors emerged from bed wearing the consequences of the previous two nights. Hangovers had to negotiate with civic duty.

Armed with brooms, gloves and determination, or what was left of it after the night's celebrations, participants headed into different neighbourhoods to help restore some of the cleanliness for which Mbale was once famous.

The weekend also offered a chance to look at the city beyond its nightlife.

Mbale Hotel, with Mount Elgon rising majestically behind it, seemed to be reclaiming some of the old charm associated with the city of the 1960s. During business-to-business meetings, visitors listened with renewed curiosity as stories about Mount Elgon's enormous caldera were shared.

Then came the cultural revelations.

Culture lovers beamed when they heard the story of Masaba, whose name is deeply associated with Mount Elgon and the Bagisu. And, as happens whenever Ugandans gather around a good story, history quickly acquired a little romance.

One popular tale has it that Kintu walked all the way from Buganda to Bugisu in search of Nambi.

Whether every detail survives historical scrutiny is another matter. But perhaps that is the beauty of tourism.

Sometimes it is not only about the places you visit. It is also about the stories you hear, the songs you discover, the stranger who becomes your friend over a bottle of beer, and the city that sends you home with something to remember.

Today, Sunday, all roads lead to Mbale Secondary School, where President Museveni is the guest of honour.

Uganda Revenue Authority, Uganda Development Bank, Uganda Police, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Tourism Board and the Ministry of Tourism are exhibiting the roles they play in promoting tourism.