The State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, has encouraged tourists to come to Uganda because it is safe, contrary to advisories sent to citizens of the USA and UK by their governments.

He said this during a media presser regarding the tourism sector on Thursday, November 16, 2023.

“I want to encourage tourists to come to Uganda. It is safe. For the Ugandans, continue with your movements as usual; whether it is from one bar to another in Kampala, you are safe,” Bahinduka Said.

The Minister thanked President Museveni, who managed to get investors who will build a 3.5-kilometer airstrip in Kidepo Valley National Park and build about 15 lodges.

He encouraged Ugandans to market their country because no one can market or de-market Uganda more than they will ever do.

During the presser, Bahinduka said he is set to lead a team from Miss Uganda led by the reigning beauty queen, Hannah Karema, and other high-level tourism officials on a tour of the Karamoja region starting November 30, 2023.

“The tour will specifically concentrate on the Pian Upe game reserve and Moroto area in order to shine a promotional spotlight on the region as one of Uganda’s most beautiful but least promoted and visited,” Bahinduka said.

“We are going to have an awesome opportunity to highlight the beauty in Karamoja, mainly in Pian Upe. There is no place as beautiful as Karamoja,” he added.

Miss Uganda, Hannah Karema, said the tour is a dream come true, and she cannot wait to explore the beauty of Uganda. She also revealed their intent to hold a charity gala while there.

“We are to have a charity gala in Karamoja where we shall rally several people to get items that we can give to the people in the region,” Karema said.

Pian Upe Game Reserve is one of Uganda’s largest national protected areas, covering an area of about 2043 square kilometers north of Mount Elgon, making it the second largest conservation protected area after Murchison Falls National Park.