Over 100,000 exhibitors for 2013 Buganda tourism expo

By Jeff Andrew Lule     
         
Over 100,000 exhibitors and visitors from different parts of the country and overseas are expected to participate in 2013 Buganda Tourism Expo.

The expo which is to run from July 29 to August 4, 2013, is organized under the theme “Tourism and Water”.

It is aimed at celebrating and promoting the protection of the environmental sources across the country. The expo is organized by the Buganda Kingdom and Ministry of Tourism.

The event targets exhibitors including individuals and companies of both local and international genre.   

Addressing the journalists at Bulange Mengo , the kingdom’s minister for tourism, Ritah Namyalo Kisitu said this year’s tourism expo is to coincide with the Kabaka’s 20th Coronation celebration as part of the activities to mark the celebrations. The Coronation anniversary is to take place on August 3, at Lubiri Palace, in Mengo, Rubaga Division.

Namyalo said Kabaka Ronald Mutebi will be the chief guest on the event on July 3.

 “We have received requests from several people locally and internationally who want to showcase their items in at the expo. We expect about 100,000 exhibitors and visitors who will come to witness the event,” he said.

She said participants will have an opportunity to network and establish contacts with new people from across the world.

The event will include the exhibition wild animals by the Uganda Wildlife Authority for people to have a glimpse of their live totems, display of herbal medicine, Buganda clan exhibition, art and crafts and international cultural exhibitions.

Other events include a simulation of the Kabaka’s coronation ceremonies at Nagalabi, a week long boat regatta at the Kabaka’s lake, launch of the royal mile and tree planting basing on Buganda totems (clans) and launch of the “Tourism Buganda Magazine”.

Namyalo said they have also arranged a massive cleaning exercise for the Kabaka’s lake in Ndebba on July 19 and 20.

She said the expo is aimed at promoting a spirit of the tourism enterprise and encouraging people to engage in tourism as an economic activity without destroying the environment.

Other guests expected include the Nnabagereka Slyvia Nagginda, religious leaders, ministers from local government and MPs.