Over 30 govt agencies scoop tourism awards

PIC: UTB chairman board of directors Daudi Migereko (left) congratulates the UTB board member Yogi Birigwa. Right is Prof. Kamuntu. (Credit: Francis Emorut)

AWARDS

KAMPALA - A total of 31 government agencies and tourism associations have scooped special tourism awards in recognition for instrumental role they have played in promoting the tourism industry in the country.

The awards follow the three-day Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo 2018, which attracted over 200 international and domestic tourism businesses.

The tourism and antiquities minister, Prof, Ephraim Kamuntu, presided over the awards ceremony, assisted by junior minister Godfrey Kiwanda at the Kampala Serena Hotel recently.

Kamuntu urged stakeholders to ensure that tourism contributes to regional integration.

Code 9 band entertaining guests

The Uganda Tourism Board chief executive officer, Stephen Asiimwe, informed guests that tourism foreign exchange earnings have been growing for the last 10 years from $358m to currently $1400m.

The agencies that received awards include the Office of the President; Office of the Prime Minister and the finance ministry. Others are the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank country office, Ministry of Defence as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Others are National Planning Authority (NPA), Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Uganda National Road Authority (UNRA) and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Civil Aviation Authority (CIA), Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Marianne Mutagamba, the daughter of former tourism minister Maria Mutagamba, was also given special recognition for latter’s role in promoting tourism.

The association of broadcasters and Uganda Media Centre also scooped awards.

Private sector companies that were recognised include Trade Mark East Africa, Competitiveness and Enterprise Development Project as well as Board of Airlines.

The event was graced by Code9 entertainers and artiste Naava Grey.

Miss Tourism Challa Elma and runner up Tradie Dungura, also attended.

Guests at the event