Minister Nakawuki calls for better packaging of Kampala’s heritage attractions
Nakawuki said the Kampala religious tourism trail highlights a vital dimension of the city's rich cultural, historical and religious heritage.
Miss Tourism pageant participated in the walk. (Photos by Nicholas Kajoba)
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Tourism state minister Suzan Nakawuki has called for the upgrading and packaging of religious and cultural heritage sites to encourage more Ugandans to explore local attractions and boost domestic tourism.
Nakawuki was speaking before flagging off participants in the fifth Kampala Tourism Walk at SSDM Hindu Temple in Nakasero, Kampala, on Sunday (August 16).
The walk and tour, held under the theme, “Unveil Kampala's Religious Trail,” took participants to several religious and cultural heritage sites, including St Matia Mulumba Catholic Parish, Gaddafi Mosque in Old Kampala, Lubaga Cathedral, Lubiri, Buganda's palace, and Buganda's craft centre in Mengo.
Nakawuki said the Kampala religious tourism trail highlights a vital dimension of the city's rich cultural, historical and religious heritage.
“Religious sites and traditions are part of the country’s heritage and provide opportunities for learning, cultural appreciation and meaningful visitor experiences. Developing these sites into well–packaged tourism experiences can promote domestic tourism in the country,” she said.
“Walking in the city provides an opportunity to discover Kampala city landmarks and heritage. I encourage people, especially Ugandans, to be tourists in their own country and explore more attractions,” she said.
The minister said the ministry recognises the importance of continuously developing and packaging new tourism sites.
“We can foresee having Kampala's religious heritage connected into the structure of the tourism trail, combining places of worship with their history, traditional art and community stories,” she said.
Minister Nakawuki leading the participants in the walk
Nakawuki, however, said developing religious tourism requires collaboration between government entities, cultural institutions and communities. She warned those opening religious sites for tourism purposes to respect and protect the sanctity of those places.
“As we open the sites, we must ensure that tourism is, respectively, inclusive and sustainable, but while protecting the sanctity and integrity of places of worship. We should also create opportunities for local communities through guiding, crafts and food,” she said.
Nakawuki advised content creators and tour operators to tell Kampala's stories accurately and creatively.
Allen Namisango, who started the Kampala Tourism Walk through her initiative, Uganda Uncovered, said her goal was to help local residents and visitors discover the capital's hidden history in terms of culture and traditions.
“The main objective of this walk is to inspire our people to explore their own city, create awareness about Kampala as a tourism destination, and support the development of new tourism products within the city,” she said.