By Leilah Bbaale
Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom subjects have been warned against abandoning other sectors in favor of the oil and gas sector.
Speaking during the regional tourism conference organized by Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Dr. Wilber Ahebwa, a professor of tourism and conservation at Makerere University says as the country heads to the oil and gas production phase, leaders and locals have put focus on the extractive sector abandoning others.
The regional tourism conference which attracted different stakeholders who included members of the private sector, district leaders and conservationist from Bunyoro region held Monday at HB Hotel in Hoima City is one of the many activities lined up ahead of the World Tourism Day celebration that will be marked this Wednesday under the theme “tourism and green investment”
Prof. Aheebwa notes that such anxiety is likely to affect sectors such as agriculture, tourism and fishing among others. He adds that oil is a depletable resource yet tourism is not saying it can sustain the economy thousands of years.
He adds Bunyoro has a lot of tourism potential which is untapped citing game parks, mountains, diverse culture and cultural institutions, Pakuba, Gulu, Bugungu airfields, water bodies such as Lake Albert and forests such Bugoma.
He says in 2022, Uganda experienced a significant increase in tourist arrivals, with 512,945 visitors, up 58.8% from the previous year.
The sector’s revenue also saw substantial growth, reaching USD 736 million, approximately 2.7 trillion Ugandan Shillings, compared to USD 1.88 trillion in 2021. The tourism sector currently employs over 500,000 people, with projections to reach 667,600 employees by 2025.
Prof. Aheebwa also challenged district local governments in the region to develop tourism development plans s as to boost their revenues.
The Kikuube district chairman Peter Banura says there is need for the Ministry of Tourism to have a special plan to promote tourism.
Grace Koojo, the Director of Kontiki Hotel who represented the private sector says the promotion of tourism is at their heart but they lack information adding that there is a need for government to start an initiative aimed at promoting tourism in the region.
