President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has met with the Uganda Tourism Association, led by Ms Yogi Biriggwa, who outlined plans to position Uganda as a top global tourism destination.
The Meeting took place at State House Entebbe and the President advised against relying on profit driven banks, suggesting that Uganda Tourism Association should instead use the Uganda Development Bank and said that tourism needs supportive policies, not just funding, but proper classification and planning.
The President said that with the oil revenues, Uganda will invest in key infrastructure, like airports, to enhance access to the country’s natural attractions and conservation areas.
He pointed out that the government will collaborate with tourism industry stakeholders to maximise tourism’s economic potential.
Meanwhile President Museveni has bid farewell to the outgoing Irish Ambassador to Uganda, His Excellency Kevin Colgan and expressed his appreciation for the warm and productive partnership between Ireland and Uganda.
He noted that the Irish Government have consistently worked closely with Maama Janet Museveni particularly in supporting programs in Karamoja and therefore Uganda is grateful for this friendship and wished the Ambassador success in his future endeavours.
During the meeting, President Museveni commended the Ambassador for his diplomatic service and Ireland’s longstanding partnership with Uganda.
“I am very happy to meet you and thank you for your good service. I wish you good luck in your next posting,” The President said.
Ambassador Colgan first served in Uganda in the late 1990s during an earlier diplomatic assignment and returned in 2020 for a second term as Ambassador, which he just concluded.
President Museveni reflected on key global and regional issues, with a focus on fair trade, economic transformation, and historical lessons from Africa’s struggle for liberation.
“How can you have prosperity without a link between goods, services, and consumers? Production and consumption cannot be one-sided. If you want someone to buy from you, they must have purchasing power. That’s why it doesn’t make sense to want to trade with poor people. You need rich people to trade better,” he said.
The President also acknowledged Ireland’s constructive role in global affairs noting that the country has played a positive role because it doesn’t carry the same baggage of past wrongs.
“We need more dialogue between Africa and the West. There are many mistakes being made that we could help correct and there is no need for unnecessary conflicts” He observed.
In his remarks, Ambassador Colgan expressed deep appreciation for Uganda’s transformation and resilience over the years.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time here. When I first came in the 1990s, Uganda was facing serious challenges like HIV/AIDS. But coming back 20 years later, I’ve witnessed incredible change, many others have tremendously changed like the infrastructure, healthcare, children in school,” he said.
His Excellency Colgan praised President Museveni’s leadership and advocacy for regional integration and Pan- Africanism and further affirmed Ireland’s commitment to development cooperation with Uganda.
“Your Excellency, we recognize your strong voice for internal development and Pan-Africanism. Just like the European Union, which has not seen war among member states for many years, we believe in removing artificial barriers to economic prosperity,” he said.
Ambassador Colgan noted that Ireland is increasing its development funding and will continue supporting Uganda, particularly in education and in Karamoja, which reflects confidence in the progress Uganda is making.
