Kirama noted that exhibitors will have a unique opportunity to showcase their products, services, and innovations to a broad audience of industry professionals, potential partners, and consumers.
Eng. Hani Saliba described the initiative as a “game-changer” for Uganda’s tourism sector. “Our goal is to deliver world-class luxury while respecting and preserving the environment. This project will leave a lasting legacy of excellence and sustainability.”
Museveni also urged the people of Kasese to engage in wealth-creation activities such as commercial agriculture by adopting the four-acre model to fight poverty, increase their household incomes and create jobs.
The categories include 42 kilometers for both men and women, 21 kilometers for both men and women, 10 kilometers, 5 kilometers’ run and 10 kilometers for persons with physical disabilities.
The South Sudan-registered company will initially operate three flights every week - on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It joins the fray, that has been for Uganda Airlines Limited, Eagle Air Limited and Premier Aviation.
Jakwana Hofin, the Spokesperson for the organizing committee, emphasized that the gala will not only showcase cultural activities but also play a role in improving the health sector.
The trio and one other person identified as Charles Komakech Otto reportedly went to the park on November 19, 2024, to poach when they were intercepted by game rangers.
Speaking as the chief guest at the opening ceremony on Thursday, Tom Butime, the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, emphasized the museum’s importance in enhancing tourism in Mbale City and the eastern tourism circuit.
The Ateker Reunion Festival, which will last for three days, brings together all Ateker communities from Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. The event has also attracted guests from Turkey and South Africa.
The State Minister for Disabilities, Hellen Asamo told the Ateker leaders to champion innovations and mindset change that will empower the communities economically. According to Asamo, the Ateker clusters are identical to poverty amidst the vast resources in their possessions.
The Ateker Reunion Festivals brings on board all the Atekerin clusters believed to have migrated from Abyssinia in Ethiopa and spread across the East African states of Kenya, Southern Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. Like the Karimojong and the Iteso in Uganda, Ateker means 'clan' or 'tribe.'
According to Abraham Kiplimo, the Foundation’s project coordinator, this year’s event focuses on youth empowerment with a mission to combat sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), including female genital mutilation (FGM), while promoting talent identification and sports tourism in the Sebei region.
Under Section 34 of the Uganda Tourism Act of 2008, UTB is mandated to register and license tourism accommodation facilities across the country, enforced through the Registration and Licensing of Tourist Accommodation Regulations, 2014. These facilities include hotels, guest houses, hostels, camping and caravan sites, villas, cottages, serviced apartments, lodges, tented camps, and motels.
Dr. James Musinguzi, the Director Community Conservation and Ex-situ services, says these strategies are expected to address key challenges such as human-wildlife conflict, poaching, habitat destruction, and the loss of endangered species, particularly in wildlife-rich regions such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Samuel Ngirio, the Speaker of the Sapiiny Cultural Institution, shared with Uganda Radio Network that preparations for the grand ceremony have already begun. The institution is seeking financial support from the government, corporate companies, and local community members to fund the event.
Three hotels were issued 48-hour closure ultimatums due to serious non-compliance. The Imperial Royale Hotel was found operating without a valid tourist accommodation license, and its kitchen was discovered to have unfit-to-eat food, including leftovers over four days old being kept for staff consumption.
Accompanied by a section of religious leaders, including Dr. Moses Odongo, the Archbishop of the National Fellowship of Born-Again Pentecostal Churches in Uganda (NFBPC), Bishop James Israel Tukei of Light Resurrection Ministries, and Rev. Fr. Patrick Acedu of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Gen. Elwelu argued that the cultural site had hindered Teso's growth and development due to the rituals performed there.
Minister Butime emphasized the government's dedication to improving the remuneration of staff at tourism training institutions and ensuring that the workforce is properly trained to meet the sector’s growing demands.
Rwoth Ubimu Rauni III said he is happy that the Alur in Entebbe have maintained their sense of unity and strong culture, urging them to keep the momentum.
