By Flavia Ajok
Activities to mark the World Tourism Day celebrations and Hoima city carnival have kicked off this morning with hundreds of city dwellers turning up for various lined up events.
Biju Fortunate, the Director Muchachos Solutions Limited, the chief organiser for the events says a number of activities are happening this week ahead of World Tourism Day celebrations in the city this Wednesday.
She adds that they are kicking off with a medical camp happening at Booma grounds, followed by school competitions at Duhaga Girls Primary School and Kitara Secondary School.
Fortunate challenges the business community especially those in the hospitality industry and foods and beverages to utilize this opportunity to earn some income.
Dr. Peter Kimbugwe, from Uganda Wildlife Authority- UWA who is the supervisor of the medical camp says with partnership from Baylor Uganda, the camp is offering a number of medical services including HIV testing and counseling, family planning and blood donation among others.
He adds that the health camp will help reduce patient influx at different health centres in Hoima and will also grant chance to many who cannot afford basic treatment.
Brian Kaboyo, the Hoima City mayor has commended the medical team for their resilience and pledged support to government efforts to improve their welfare.
The Prime Minister of Uganda Rt. Hon Robinah Nabbanja will be the chief guest at the World Tourism Day celebrations that will be held under the theme ‘’Tourism and Green Investments’’ at Hoima Booma grounds.
A regional tourism conference is also underway at Hoima Buffalo Hotel with the aim of reigniting tourism, create over business linkages for Bunyoro’s travel trade and consolidate Explore Uganda, The Pearl of Africa brand.
The other activities include; corporate football tournament to be held tomorrow Tuesday at Hoima Booma grounds and a mayor’s round table discussion later in the day, Wednesday night performances at Hoima booma grounds, the Hoima City carnival that will be held for three days starting September 29.
Tourism forms a very significant part of Uganda’s economy. It contributes more than 7 percent of our National GDP and it employs a significant number of people directly or indirectly ranging from government, private sector, education tourism, leisure events promoters, professional associations, individuals to training institutions.
