Uganda has joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Tourism Day, which is commemorated every September 27th globally.
This year’s celebrations are being held in Hoima City, Bunyoro Region, under the theme “Tourism and Green Investments,” and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja is the chief guest.
Tourism and green investments highlight the vital role of sustainable tourism in preserving our planet. It’s about investing in our planet and prosperity for a brighter, greener future.
“It’s time we made a pledge to work towards a greener and more sustainable future where heritage conservation and community development go hand in hand.” Ernesto Ottone, the UNESCO Assistant Director General of Culture, said this on the sidelines of the 45th World Heritage Committee meeting.
Since 1980, World Tourism Day has been celebrated every year on September 27 to raise awareness of the importance and impact of tourism.
This year’s World Tourism Day celebrations will be held in Hoima City, a place that boasts a rich culture and is undoubtedly the cradle of the history of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom.
Tourism is booming in the Bunyoro region thanks to the oil discovery and subsequent development, but tourists can also learn about the intriguing histories of Bunyoro by visiting sites like the Mparo Royal Tombs, a burial site of Omukama Kabalega, who reigned in the late 19th century, and several other Kingdom royals.
The Nyamyarro Royal Museum is also a great pick for traditional and cultural immersion, where tourists can see artefacts and royal regalia preserved from previous reigns and the 12-stair White Monument outside the Mparo tomb yard, a mark of the day Sir Emin Pasha and Omukama Kabalega met and the days spent trying to convince Omukama Kabalega to accept British Colonial rule, which he refused.
From the giant mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, the big five animals, the world’s longest river Nile, the Rwenzori mountains of the moon, the outstanding Virunga mountains, the world’s biggest caldera mount Elgon, the savannah grasslands, the second biggest fresh water lake Victoria, the delicious local dishes, and the beautiful and welcoming people
Uganda is also a birding paradise, boasting a massive bird list of more than 1073 recorded bird species, making up 50% of Africa’s bird species and 11% of the world’s species.
The Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Bahinduka Mugarra Martin, urged everyone to document the various attractions Bunyoro is endowed with as we market Destination Uganda to the world.
As we celebrate World Tourism Day, let’s also celebrate the joy of exploring our beautiful country, Uganda, and discovering its hidden gems. Travelling opens our hearts and minds to new cultures, landscapes, and experiences.
Let’s cherish the memories of our past adventures and dream about the exciting journeys to come on this special day of celebrating nature.
