Uganda Government to intensify tourism marketing

Wednesday, 21st September, 2011

The Uganda Government will soon start rigorous campaigns to market the country’s tourist and conservation sites.

Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, the tourism, wildlife and antiquities minister, said this will enable the country earn more revenue from the sector to finance other development projects.

Kamuntu noted that the capacity of staff would also be boosted to make them well-placed to promote the country’s tourism potential.

He added that discussions with donors for funding the strategy were on-going.

"We want to transform this economy from underdevelop to first world, where there is a middle class."

Kamuntu was speaking during celebrations to mark the golden jubilee of the US aid agency, USAID and volunteer group, Peace Corps, last week at the US embassy in Nsambya in Kampala. He hailed the US for continued support to government’s development plans. USAID offers Uganda project and budget support.

The US, through USAID, gives Uganda $320m in budget support, of which $31m goes to agriculture and $193m to the fight against HIV/AIDs.

It also contributes to the $600m Peace Recovery and Development Plan for northern Uganda.

US ambassador Jerry Lanier, said former US President John F. Kennedy called for the creation of the USAID 50-years ago to bring peace, prosperity and hope to the developing world.

Kennedy, Lanier said, also challenged young Americans to pledge their lives to the greater good and serve as bridges between societies.

By Henry Mukasa: The New Vision Newspaper