His Majesty the
Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II; who was accompanied by Nabagereka
Sylvia Naginda officially opened the 5th Buganda Tourism Expo on Wednesday, 31st
July 2013 at his Palace in Mengo with a call to the people of Buganda to
embrace tourism in the kingdom as Buganda has so much to offer as regards
tourism, hence the need for the boost.
The function was part of the 20th Coronation anniversary.
In 2011, when The Nabagereka of Buganda, Sylvia Nagginda opened Buganda expo at Mengo Palace, she gave valuable
advice to the Baganda on the need to cooperate with the central
government in order to promote the tourism industry in Buganda. We must
develop the tourism sector in Buganda so as to earn tangible revenue.
The economies of Kenya, South Africa and many European countries are
thriving on the revenue earned annually from tourism. It is important
that we pick lessons from these countries.
The tourism industry
cuts across all groups of people: the farmers who grow food, the people
who make souvenirs and curios and those who sell them, the people who
work in hotels, the drivers and tour guides who take tourists to the
parks, tour operators, travel agents, the airlines, etc.
Cooperation with the central government is crucial, especially when it comes to economic development, which we badly need.
For those who may not get a chance to visit the expo in Kabaka's
Palace, William Kituuka Kiwanuka attempts to take you around some of the
stalls. You will realize that some were incomplete by Tuesday, 30th July when the photo's were taken.
It
is interesting the creativity of some participants, Uganda Wildlife
Authority (UWA) may 'steal the show' they came up with dresses duly made
for the function!
Many thanks to the participating organizations. It is true, a lot is
being done in Buganda, and Uganda at large, but poverty persists!
