On June 10, 2025, the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) organized a significant engagement workshop in Hoima city, aiming to enhance tourism development through collaboration with local stakeholders.
The event, held amidst the backdrop of the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom’s Empango celebrations, focused on strategic areas such as marketing, digital transformation, and cultural preservation.
The workshop brought together tourism stakeholders to discuss Uganda Tourism Board’s mandate, marketing strategies, digital marketing initiatives, quality assurance, product development, investment opportunities, and potential partnerships.
This aligns with UTB’s broader goal to position Uganda as a premier tourism destination.
Uganda Tourism Board (the state-run marketing body for Uganda) main aim is to promote and popularize Uganda as a viable holiday destination both locally and internationally.
The Uganda Tourism Board’s mandate, as outlined in the Uganda Tourism Act of 2008, is to sustainably promote Uganda as a competitive tourism destination for inclusive development.
Uganda Tourism Board’s activities involve ensuring that all accommodation facilities in Uganda operate with valid tourism operating licenses, as demonstrated by the Board’s initiative to close unlicensed facilities starting November 18, 2024, in partnership with the Uganda Police.
The Board’s activities, such as the recent workshop in Hoima, focus on marketing, digital marketing, quality assurance, product development, investment, and fostering partnerships to enhance Uganda’s tourism sector.
Participants in the Uganda Tourism Board engagement workshop for tourism stakeholders in Hoima city also engaged in cultural activities, including attending royal prayers and a courtesy visit to the Mparo Royal Tombs.
Uganda Tourism Board X post documented the attendance of their team at the Bunyoro Royal Prayers for His Majesty Omukama Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I, held at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Hoima City, a significant event in the cultural and religious calendar of the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, which celebrates the king’s reign and heritage.
The event is part of the broader celebrations for the 31st Coronation Anniversary of Omukama Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I, who ascended to the throne in 1994, marking a long-standing tradition that includes various rituals and community gatherings, reflecting the kingdom’s rich history and the restoration of cultural institutions in Uganda.
Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom
The Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, once a powerful empire covering parts of modern-day Uganda, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi, has seen a resurgence in cultural activities since the reinstatement of traditional leadership, with events like the Empango (coronation anniversary) serving as both a cultural preservation effort and a tourist attraction, aligning with the Uganda Tourism Board’s mission to promote such heritage sites.
These interactions underscore the importance of cultural heritage in tourism, especially during the Empango celebrations, which mark the coronation anniversary of Omukama Solomon Gafabusa Iguru.
Hoima City, located in the oil-rich Albertine region and serving as the seat of the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, is increasingly recognized as a key tourism and economic hub.
The Uganda Tourism Board workshop’s focus on digital marketing and investment reflects efforts to leverage both natural and cultural assets for sustainable growth.
The event fostered dialogue between the Uganda Tourism Board and local communities, emphasizing the role of stakeholders in shaping tourism policies and practices. This collaborative approach is seen as crucial for ensuring that tourism benefits are widely shared.
With ongoing developments like the Uganda Oil Refinery and the planned Hoima International Airport, Hoima is poised for significant economic activity.
The workshop’s outcomes are expected to contribute to a robust tourism strategy that integrates cultural heritage with modern economic opportunities.
The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB)’s engagement in Hoima not only highlights the Bunyoro tourism potential but also reinforces the importance of cultural preservation in sustainable development.
As destination Uganda continues to develop its tourism sector, such initiatives are pivotal in creating a holistic approach that benefits both the economy and cultural heritage.
Ready to explore Hoima’s vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty?
Hoima, in Uganda’s Western Region, is known for the Bunyoro Kingdom’s cultural sites, including the Karuzika Royal Palace, Mparo Royal Tombs and natural attractions like Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve, Lake Albert.
Hoima is located 200 km northwest of Kampala, a 4-hour drive, offering a blend of cultural and wildlife experiences.
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About Uganda Tourism Board
The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) is the official body responsible for promoting Uganda as a premier tourism destination.
Visit the Uganda Tourism Board website www.utb.go.ug for comprehensive information about Uganda’s tourism offerings, including destinations, activities, and travel tips. The site also details Uganda Tourism Board’s initiatives, policies, and updates on tourism development.
The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) maintains an active presence on various social media platforms to engage with a broader audience and promote tourism.
Here are Uganda Tourism Board’s official social media handles for the latest updates:
X (formerly Twitter): @TourismBoardUg
Facebook: Uganda Tourism Board
Instagram: @ugandatourismboard
LinkedIn: Uganda Tourism Board
YouTube: Uganda Tourism Board
These platforms are used to share updates, promotional content, and engage with tourists and stakeholders.
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