UTB champions Heritage Tourism in renewed campaign

MENGO - During her inaugural tour since she assumed office as the Chief Executive Officer for the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Juliana Kagwa reassured the board's commitment to promoting heritage and the diverse cultures in Uganda.

On Friday (July 4), the new UTB boss toured Buganda's iconic heritage sites, including Kasubi Tombs, where the four past kingdom kings were buried.

Her entourage also visited Mengo Palace, the main throne of the King, the Kingdom's parliament buildings in Bulange, Kabaka's Lake in the Rubaga neighbourhood, plus the Buganda Heritage and Cultural Centre.

Kagwa, whose first stop was the royal tombs, was welcomed by Najib Sekikubo Nsubuga, the executive director for Buganda Heritage and Tourism Board. 

At the revered burial grounds of four past Buganda Kings, her guide narrated the story behind the architectural details and historical significance of the site. 

"This is more than just a monument; it's a living testament to Uganda's royal legacy," she remarked, visibly moved by the artistry and generational history preserved within the tombs. Her entourage included the new marketing manager, Francis Nyende. 

Located in the centre of Uganda's capital, Kampala, the Mengo tourism sites are easily accessible to all willing tourists. According to Sekikubo, the heritage circuit attracts between 50,000 and 100,000 tourists, including school-going learners.

The Buganda Heritage and Tourism Board executive director expressed optimism in the rejuvenated collaboration with UTB, saying it comes with opportunities in product development, investment, quality assurance and promotion. 

"We also look forward to a collaboration that will foster staff training as well as improving the quality of services offered to suit the required international standards," Sekikubo expressed.

Nyende said that the visit was meant to deepen staff understanding of Uganda’s rich cultural heritage and to promote domestic tourism by appreciating one of the most prominent traditional institutions in the country.

"This is in line with our recently launched national destination marketing strategy, which partly focuses on promoting existing sustainable tourism experiences and encouraging investment in new sustainable experiences," Nyende stated.

The UTB team having a photo moment in front of the Kasubi Royal tombs during their visit to the heritage site on Friday. (Credit: Julius Luwemba)

Assuring her hosts of collaboration, Kagwa said, "I  look forward to partnering and collaborating with the kingdom to ensure the longevity of these powerful heritage sites. At UTB, we have an entire section dedicated to product development. 

Now that the plans have been laid out by the Buganda kingdom and the framework is in place, we are now embarking on looking for investment avenues."

The current UTB leadership is expected to visit other heritage sites across the country in a drive aimed at development as well as popularising them as viable tourism products. 
A heritage site is such a location with historical, cultural or natural significance, legally protected due to its value to a community.

Uganda's Heritage Sites and Cultural Landmarks

Uganda is home to several  United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) world heritage sites that reflect its rich cultural and natural history. Notable ones include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Kasubi Tombs, Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, Bigo bya Mugenyi, Nyero Rock Paintings, Fort Patiko and Uganda Museum. 

Others are Kibiro salt gardens, Mparo tombs, Nakayima tree, Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru caves, plus several others.