KASESE- Tourism in Uganda is one of those “cash cow sectors” in the country despite the limited funds that are allocated to it.
However, promoting and creating a good image for our nation is our business and responsibility regardless of our affiliations in religion, politics, tribes and many other sects since we all subscribe to Uganda our cradle land.
All over the world September is a month for the World Tourism Day and we ought to at least dedicate it to amplify and spot light the undenied beauty of our country to the rest of the world.
The Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities ( MTWA), Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre and other partner agencies launched the Tourism Day Celebrations at Fair way Hotel that will be hosted in Kasese district and shall be running under thr theme ” Tourism and Peace”.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Elias Byamungu, Chief Administrative Officer, Kasese district called upon all Ugandans to come to his region for the grand celebrations and thanked the minister for always coming through and being on ground.
“Kasese is one of the core districts of Uganda and the major entry point to Democratic Republic of Congo and very sensitive to security. It is a district which is a region at the same time and we want to inform you that we are too secure and it is a global hot spot in terms of disaster and it should not fear you because we have been able to handle. Above all that, we have a lot of tourism sites and I encourage you to interact with the local tourism guides for a proper experience as we welcome you”. Byamungu Said.
Mr. Samora Semakula, from Uganda Tourism Board affirmed that they are more than ready to be in Kasese and they are the going to segment and market the region.
He also noted that Kasese has a robust investors forum and the campaign coming to their region must also focus on the standards of accommodation, adding that the sector works with smiling and happy faces that are a result of peace and they looking forward to big numbers.
From the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, James Musinguzi, Executive Director highlighted that they shall be working with their colleagues together with the Wildlife Clubs in Schools so that the activities can dwell down to the people who will also be ambassadors of tourism in their spaces.
Since tourism and entertainment are twins, Moses Ssali alias Bebe Cool will be the main music artist head lining though there will be other local acts.
In his remarks, he thanked all the partners who have part of it and encouraged the government to think of tourism as a tool to promote patriotism and mindset change among the people.
“I’m 47 years old and been in this game for over 30 years. I have been to move to many countries through my career as an artist, i have also been able to move to almost every part of Uganda by road which has helped me to appreciate this country more.
I grew up in Kasese for about three years and I can assure you it is a great place with very loving and hospitable people, and I urge the government to allocate a bigger budget for our ministry so that they can do more”. Added Bebe Cool.
He also promised that he will move with his Gagamel Media team together with his wife and shall be able to capture more content about the region so that very many people can appreciate our mother land Uganda.
The State Minister for Tourism and Antiques, Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka said that they were in Kasese for the Marathon and they are going back again for the World Tourism Day Celebrations.
“I can assure you, there is a lot of things to enjoy in Kasese and the entire Rwenzori Region. The accommodation facilities have been improving and most recently we have the Equator Monument which has gained traction in the recent months which is awesome and gives us hope that people are getting to appreciate”. Hon Mugarra Asserted.
He also thanked the Tourism Influencers for always getting on board despite the budgets and always taking on the mantle to show the beauty of our country through their content.
Additionally, the Tourism Month has had a number of activities of events that were lined up that include;
Tusker lite Marathon,Karamoja Cultural Festival, Rwenzori Theluji Festival, Ekyooto Ha Mpango, Kampala Schools Engagements, Miss Tourism, Programmes Review and Thematic Conference, Kasese Schools Engagement, Peace Conference, Tourism Marathon and Games, Medical Camp, Peace Concert and the Explore Rwenzori Campaign.
As a vivid and enthusiastic lover of nature and tourism, there are also some sites you should not miss out when you travel to Kasese for an adventure or any engagement.
– The Equator Monument
This is one of the newest tourist icon features that is defining Kasese located at Kikorongo with artistic designs and currently the largest Equator Monument in Africa. It is becoming the new baby on the block and numerous people are stopping over for pictures
– Lake Katwe Salt Pans
This has been in existence for centuries ahd has been one of the most visited and known salt mining sites in Uganda after Kibiri and it is still holding crown.
– Kilembe Mines
These were very sound and vivid during the colonial times with copper which was transported from Kasese to Kampala using the railway transport.
The copper deposits might have been depleted but the history is still at the site.
– Arabica Coffee Tourism Experience
This region is one of the biggest growers of Arabica Coffee in Uganda besides. Here coffee is grown in most homesteads and it is one of the biggest sources of income to the locals. One can learn how it is planted, grown until the final stages of consumption.
– River Nyamwamba
This is famous for its disastrous bursting during the rainy season, though it is one of the endowed water bodies that has been a source of lively hood to the people around
-Rwenzori Mountain Hiking
It is a must do though it requires a lot of preparations physically, mentally and emotionally since one is willing to spend about 7 days in the wild with the eyes focused on the Magherita Peak. It is the highest in Uganda with some elements of glacier at the summit and even before.
– Bakonzo Cultural Experience.
This is a fully recognized cultural institution by the government of Uganda with a leader ” Omusinga ” as the head.
Here one will get to understand their history, cultural heritage, food, marriage, circumcision, mode of living and many others aspects both social and economic so that you get to appreciate them.
– Queen Elizabeth.
This is one of the most visited National parks after Murchison falls and stretches to other districts such as Mitooma and has features like the Kazinga channel which connects Lake Edward to George
The facility boosts of elephants, zebras, giraffes, hippopotamuses, rhinos, lions, buffalos and other animals
MWTA has also had drives to promote most of the regions through their Explore Campaigns such as ; Eastern in Mbale, Busoga in Jinja, Bunyoro in Hoima, Northern in Gulu and Rwenzori in Kasese and many to come.
