Tourism
Move to turn MPs into ambassadors of Uganda's tourism
Tayebwa said short video clips showcasing Uganda's tourism attractions will be telecast on Parliament's digital displays as well as sharing the same to all legislators before the commencement of plenary sessions.
L-R: Julius Acon, Member of Parliament for Otuke East Constituency; Amos Wekesa, Chairperson of the National Tourism and Environment Organisation Forum (NTEOF); Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker of Parliament; Adolf Mwesige, Clerk to Parliament; and Peter Sebulime, NTEOF President, at Parliament. (Courtesy)
By: Julius Luwemba, Journalist @New Vision
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Uganda's breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultural heritage, wildlife, adventure and events experiences are set to be spotlighted in Parliament following an initiative aimed at turning legislators into ambassadors for the country's tourism sector.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, said short video clips showcasing Uganda's tourism attractions will be telecast on Parliament's digital displays as well as sharing the same to all legislators before the commencement of plenary sessions.
The initiative is expected to begin next year in February.
It is intended to expose legislators to the country's rich tourism diversity while strengthening appreciation for the sector's contribution to economic growth,
employment and national development.
Parliament will also dedicate a tourism week, during which legislators will engage with tourism private sector players, exhibitors and destination marketeers.
On Tuesday, Tayebwa met with the tourism private sector players under their umbrella body, the National Tourism Events Organisers Federation (NTEOF).
He was accompanied by Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige Kasaija and Otuke East MP Julius Acon.
Led by the federation's president Peter Sebulime, commonly known as Demo Riley, the tourism events organisers pitched to Parliament how legislators can understand and appreciate Uganda's endowments.
"This will not only trigger a deeper understanding of Uganda's beauty to the legislators, but also enhance budget allocation towards the tourism sector," said Sebulime.
Under the arrangement, a two-minute destination video highlighting tourism attractions and investment potential within a given constituency will be screened before parliamentary proceedings.
On Tuesday, Tayebwa met with the tourism private sector players under their umbrella body, the National Tourism Events Organisers Federation (NTEOF).
He was accompanied by Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige Kasaija and Otuke East MP Julius Acon.
Led by the federation's president Peter Sebulime, commonly known as Demo Riley, the tourism events organisers pitched to Parliament how legislators can understand and appreciate Uganda's endowments.
"This will not only trigger a deeper understanding of Uganda's beauty to the legislators, but also enhance budget allocation towards the tourism sector," said Sebulime.
Under the arrangement, a two-minute destination video highlighting tourism attractions and investment potential within a given constituency will be screened before parliamentary proceedings.
Amos Wekesa, the NTEOF chairperson, highlighted events such as Vumbula Uganda, Nyege Nyege and the Rwenzori Marathon, saying legislators will be able to understand the economic impact of such events to Uganda's economy.
"We strongly believe that during such sessions, the Members of Parliament will be able to see the impact of events like the Rwenzori Marathon and how they bring visitors, create jobs, and give people a chance to earn income throughout the tourism value chain."
Wekesa said deliberate tourism efforts were initiated by former Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga, who is currently the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs.
"We used to have break-away sessions with different speakers about all matters relating to tourism, which helped to enhance regional tourism clusters. The wildlife sculptures at Parliament were as a result of such tourism engagements," said Wekesa.
He also mentioned the upcoming 5th edition of the Rwenzori Marathon due on August 22. To this, MP Acon pledged to lead fellow legislators at the event.
The Tuesday meeting marked a significant step towards building a closer partnership between the Parliament and the tourism events industry, with both sides expressing a shared commitment to positioning tourism as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and Uganda’s international destination brand.
NTEOF is an umbrella body of 41 tourism events companies or organisers positioned to market Uganda as a leading destination for tourism events and experiences, leveraging the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) sector as a driver for national development.
"We strongly believe that during such sessions, the Members of Parliament will be able to see the impact of events like the Rwenzori Marathon and how they bring visitors, create jobs, and give people a chance to earn income throughout the tourism value chain."
Wekesa said deliberate tourism efforts were initiated by former Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga, who is currently the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs.
"We used to have break-away sessions with different speakers about all matters relating to tourism, which helped to enhance regional tourism clusters. The wildlife sculptures at Parliament were as a result of such tourism engagements," said Wekesa.
He also mentioned the upcoming 5th edition of the Rwenzori Marathon due on August 22. To this, MP Acon pledged to lead fellow legislators at the event.
The Tuesday meeting marked a significant step towards building a closer partnership between the Parliament and the tourism events industry, with both sides expressing a shared commitment to positioning tourism as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and Uganda’s international destination brand.
NTEOF is an umbrella body of 41 tourism events companies or organisers positioned to market Uganda as a leading destination for tourism events and experiences, leveraging the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) sector as a driver for national development.