By Mary Karugaba and Robert Kasumba

The ministry of Tourism and other stakeholders have organized an award dubbed Ekkula pearl of Africa tourism award to recognize Ugandans working in this sector.

Addressing journalists on Monday, the Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities minister, Maria Mutagamba said the award is a tourism initiative aimed at promoting tourism through recognizing and subsequently motivating key stakeholders in the industry.

According to Mutagamba, recognizing and appreciating stakeholders will motivate and encourage them to increase the quality of services and health competition in the industry.

"Tourism has become everybody's business. Many individuals, companies and associations are increasingly playing key roles to boost the sector. However very few stakeholders have been recognized and appreciated," Mutagamba said.

"For example no one has come up to appreciate the artists using music as a medium of tourism promotion. When you appreciate them, they get encouraged to sing more about their country," she said.        

The minister noted that Uganda's tourism sector is experiencing growth in terms of employment as well as contributing to the Growth Domestic Product (GDP).

According to the organizers, the awards will be held on February 12, 2016 at hotel Africana.

Jean Byamugisha, executive director Uganda hotels owners association said the best performers will be awarded in 27 categories.

Some of the categories include best performing tourism photographer, best cultural centers, best tourism investors, best tour and travel company, best tourism training center, best eco resort, best tourism initiative, best museum, best Tourism TV show, best supporting airline, and best service hotels, among others.

Mutagamba called upon Ugandans to visit the numerous tourism sites.