The State Minister for Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities has called upon Ugandans to unconditionally use every available means to promote the Pearl of Africa.
Speaking during the Explore North activation in Pader district, Mugarra said there is a strong intention by the government to transform the different tourist sites to better places.
“We are not just here for fun, but also to identify areas of further tourism development. For instance, we have taken note of the development of Gulu city, the paved roads, economic development of the city and the hopefulness of the Acholi people after years of insurgency. The Ministry of Tourism and its partners such as CCFU could establish a Peace Museum in the region to compliment the already existing attractions.” Minister Mugarra said.
He added that The Ministry of Tourism and UTB will consider this possibility in future. There is also need to develop many other products such as festivals, cultural events and experiences here.
“I have also identified the need to have regional tourism and hospitality training centers to equip the young people of Acholi with the international skill sets to meet the SDG-8. Decent Work and Economic growth will propel the Acholi region to greater heights.” He said adding that there is need for MICE Tourism that would lead to development of more meeting facilities here due to the proximity to ket attractions in Northern Uganda.
Mugarra also revealed that President of Uganda instructed both Tourism and Works Ministry to ensure that airstrips such as Gulu, Kidepo and many others are renovated to international standards.
“There is need for increased Investment in the tourism sector through the establishment of Uganda and regional hotel chains that will meet the needs of all types of tourists while in Northern Uganda. Ministry of Tourism to work with the regional tourism clusters in Northern Uganda to take the development of tourism to the grassroots. Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and the agencies of the Ministry of tourism should work with the Acholi tourism cluster to promote activities in the Acholi region.” Mugarra noted.
In the same spirit, the Ministry has already earmarked the UGX 800m to develop the Prestigious Aruu falls in Pader district.
According to minister Mugarra, this is aimed towards to promoting tourism that will help us achieve the lift the lives of the people in this region in line with the Sustainable Development goals specifically SDG 1 (Ending Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and this is only possible though the continuous promotion of domestic tourism through strategic interventions such as the Explore Uganda Campaigns.
“I want to categorically encourage Ugandans to explore the tourism attractions within your vicinity. And to share the beauty of the Pearl of Africa with everyone in their spheres of influence.” Mugarra said.
