West Nile tasked with using 'strategic location' to boost tourism
This was a call by President Yoweri Museveni in his message on World Tourism Day (September 27). The national celebrations were hosted by Uganda's northern city of Arua at Arua Golf Course.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja poses for a photo with Uganda Tourism Industry stakeholders after the World Tourism Day celebrations in Arua City. (Photo by Robert Adiga)
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The West Nile sub-region has been tasked with taking advantage of its strategic location to boost tourism by way of cross-border trade and cultural exchanges.
This was a call by President Yoweri Museveni in his message on World Tourism Day (September 27). The national celebrations were hosted by Uganda's northern city of Arua at Arua Golf Course.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja inspecting exhibition stalls during the World Tourism Day celebration in Arua City. (Photo by Robert Adiga)
Museveni commended the steady growth of the tourism sector.
Represented by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja as chief guest, the President said this year’s national theme of 'tourism for sustainable transformation' is timely and requires that Uganda catches up with the rest of the world.
“I believe together we can build corridors of prosperity, a strong force that can bind our people through commercial travel and sharing experiences," he said in his message read by Nabbanja.
"There is a lot that needs to be incorporated in your endeavors and this year’s theme requires us to be deliberate and ensure we catch up with the rest of the world."
Prime minister Robinah Nabbanja awards businessman Sudhir Ruparelia as the best entrepreneur during the World Tourism Day celebration in Arua City. (Photo by Robert Adiga)
Tourism minister (Rtd) Col Tom Butime highlighted the strides made by the tourism sector since recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said tourism is currently contributing 5.2 percent of Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
In 2024, international arrivals increased to 1.37 million visitors.
According to Butime, tourism expenditure grew to 4.8 trillion shillings and offered employment opportunities to over 803,000 people.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja playfully sparring with celebrity kickboxer Moses Golola during the celebrations in Arua city. (Photo by Robert Adiga)
He applauded the private sector for actively participating in the tourism sector that has seen improvements with associated economic and social benefits.
Jackson Lee Atima Buti, the MP of Arua Central Division, said West Nile is endowed with tourism potential that can be harnessed for economic growth.
He appealed for improved infrastructure in the region, especially that leading to tourist sites, strategic locations and upgrading of Arua airfield to international airport status.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja poses for a photo with West Nile cultural leaders. (Photo by Robert Adiga)
The legislator also called for development of selected tourism sites in the region, and the establishment of a modern regional museum in Arua city.
A series of activities, including school engagements, a sustainable tourism conference for all stakeholders, sporting events and music performances marked the buildup to Saturday's celebration.