Nile Bridge bathed in green to mark St Patrick's Day

The Embassy of Ireland in Uganda, in partnership with Uganda Tourism Board and the Uganda National Roads Authority, yesterday illuminated the Source of the Nile Bridge green in celebration of Ireland's national day, St Patrick's Day, which takes place annually on March 17.

This marks the fifth year that Uganda has participated in the Global Greening initiative, an event that sees over 300 famous landmarks and iconic sites across the world go green for March 17.

In the past, these have included the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids in Egypt, Table Mountain in South Africa and the Equator Monument in Uganda, among others.

"The ‘Source of the Nile' Bridge monument was chosen as a unique symbol of a bridge between two peoples and two nations, bringing Ireland and Uganda closer together. The River Nile is a major source of tourism, and Ireland is privileged to bring attention to this distinctive aspect of Uganda's geography and culture," said a statement issued from the Embassy of Ireland.

The event is a boost to both Uganda and Ireland's tourism as images of the activity are shared across the world. Images will also feature on the website and social media sites of the Embassy of Ireland to Uganda, the Tourism Ireland website and several news media channels around the world.

Ambassador William Carlos stated: "We are very excited to be partnering with UTB once again on the Global Greening and to have identified such an iconic landmark as the Source of the Nile Bridge. The Bridge is a symbol of two nations and two peoples forging a connection and a friendship. The River Nile is a great source of tourism in Uganda, and we are delighted to shine a green light on it."

Lilly Ajarova, UTB Chief Executive Officer welcomed the partnership with the Embassy of Ireland, noting "Uganda's participation in this Irish greening initiative is part of our long working relationship with the Embassy of Ireland. The greening initiative has supported us to showcase our unique tourism attractions to the whole world. We are delighted that the new Source of the Nile Bridge will be the greened attraction this year." She added, "We wish the Irish a great St. Patrick's Day."

"The eagerness of cities and countries worldwide to take part in the ‘Global Greening' initiative underlines the strength of the deep connection that people all over the world feel to Ireland. More than 70 million people around the world claim links to the island of Ireland and St Patrick's Day is a truly unique opportunity to connect these people, and others worldwide, with Irish culture and heritage," the statement added.

In Uganda, as part of St Patrick's Day celebrations, tourism stakeholders, the Embassy of Ireland and the Irish Society in Uganda have organised a series of activities that include the Lighting up the Source of the Nile Bridge, the St Patrick's Day Reception at the Ambassador's Residence on March 14, 2019; the traditional Irish Music Night at Bubbles O'Leary, on March 15 and the Charity Gala Ball at Sheraton Hotel, on March 16. 

St Patrick's Day was made an official Christian feast day in the early seventeenth century and is observed by the Catholic and the Anglican Church.

The day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland.