MBALE
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged Ugandans to embrace tourism as a major source of household income, saying the country has unique natural attractions capable of competing on the global tourism market.
Museveni made the remarks on Sunday at Mbale Secondary School Grounds during national celebrations to mark World Tourism Day, held under the theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”
He said Uganda has attractions similar to those found in Europe, including snow-capped mountains, while its favourable climate gives the country an additional advantage.
“Uganda has what Europe has and what Europe does not have, including the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and our favourable climate,” Museveni said.
He said tourism is a major global industry valued at about $11.6 trillion and urged Ugandans to position themselves to benefit from the sector.
Museveni also encouraged Ugandans to embrace the four sectors of wealth creation—commercial agriculture, manufacturing and artisanship, services, and information and communication technology (ICT)—saying tourism falls under the services sector.
He said people with limited land for agriculture should consider tourism and other service-sector activities as alternative sources of income.
Museveni warns against environmental destruction
The President linked tourism to environmental conservation, warning communities against destroying wetlands and other natural resources.
“If you love tourism, agriculture and want electricity, you must be against environmental destruction. Those who destroy wetlands are enemies of the future,” he said.
Museveni called for improved infrastructure to support tourism and economic activity, particularly in areas with tourism attractions but poor accessibility.
He said last-mile infrastructure should be extended to areas such as Bududa and Manjiya to connect communities and improve access to tourism sites and other economic opportunities.
The President also commended the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities for their efforts to promote tourism.
“I am glad that UWA and the Ministry of Tourism have woken up from kugona (sleep),” he said.
Museveni commissions Mbale Wildlife Conservation Education Centre
During the celebrations, Museveni commissioned the Mbale Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, commonly known as Mbale Zoo, established by UWA to promote wildlife conservation education and tourism in the Elgon sub-region.
The facility adds another tourism attraction to the region and is intended to provide residents, particularly children, with an opportunity to learn about wildlife and conservation.
The World Tourism Day celebrations were part of a wider campaign by the Ministry of Tourism and its agencies to promote domestic tourism, digital transformation, environmental conservation and investment in tourism products across Uganda.
