UGANDA COMMEMORATES WORLD TOURISM DAY WITH REGIONAL SUSTAINABLE TOURISM CONFERENCE IN ARUA CITY

Arua City, Uganda – September 26, 2025

The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA), in partnership with Arua City Local Government, successfully hosted the Regional Sustainable Tourism Conference on September 26, 2025, as part of Uganda’s national celebrations to mark World Tourism Day 2025.

The conference, held under the theme “Sustainable Tourism for Inclusive Regional Growth,” underscored Uganda’s commitment to sustainable tourism and regional development in line with the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV), which prioritizes tourism under the Agriculture, Tourism, Minerals, Science, Technology and Innovation (ATMS) cluster.

The event brought together key stakeholders from government, academia, private sector, development partners, and local communities to discuss how tourism can drive inclusive growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability in emerging regions such as West Nile.

Arua City Highlighted as a Tourism-Ready Destination

In his welcome remarks, the Mayor of Arua City commended the Ministry for selecting Arua to host the regional conference, citing the city’s vast potential in natural and cultural attractions such as Abario Falls and various heritage sites.

The Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Martin Mugarra, praised the region’s tourism prospects and called on residents to maintain peace, hospitality, and cleanliness to attract both domestic and international visitors.

Key Discussion Highlights

Two panel sessions explored strategies for strengthening sustainable tourism and positioning West Nile as a viable tourism destination.

• Ms. Imelda Tumusiime (Muni University) emphasized skills development, community engagement, and digital visibility.

• Dr. Jimmy Opigo (Arra Fishing Lodge) called for innovation, financing, and the formation of a regional Tour Operators Association to promote MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism.

• Mr. David Kyasanku (Arua City Clerk) highlighted infrastructure, cleanliness, and cultural preservation as pillars for a tourism-ready city.

• Maj. Gen. Keith Katungi (UPDF) reiterated the importance of peace and border security in supporting tourism growth.

In the second panel,

• Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) announced two master plans for the West Nile region and ongoing efforts to integrate Arua into national tourism circuits.

• Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) reported progress in the Ajai Wildlife Reserve Restoration Project, including the reintroduction of 400 kobs and 20 buffaloes, and plans to relocate 22 rhinos from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

• Department of Museums and Monuments (DMM) confirmed plans to establish a regional museum in Arua City, and documentation of 47 heritage sites across West Nile.

Key Recommendations

Participants called for:

• Increased financing and affordable credit for tourism enterprises;

• Enhanced skills development through Muni University and MTWA partnerships;

• Improved road infrastructure and attraction mapping;

• Stronger public–private partnerships and inclusion of communities and refugees in tourism programs;

• Measures to address human–wildlife conflicts and promote conservation.

UTB, UWA, and DMM pledged to implement these recommendations through regional collaboration and project follow-up.

Government Commitment

In his remarks, Hon. Martin Mugarra reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting regional tourism through investment in infrastructure, marketing, and human resource development.

Delivering the closing remarks, Hon. Tom R. Butime, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, commended all participants for their contributions and described tourism as “a vibrant and transformative sector for Uganda’s development.”

He recognized Arua City as a growing urban center with potential to become a tourism hub for the West Nile sub-region, reaffirming government’s pledge to promote skills development, investment attraction, and sustainable tourism growth under NDP IV.

Way Forward

The conference concluded with a commitment by the Ministry to integrate the outcomes and recommendations into ongoing regional tourism programs and continue strengthening collaboration among stakeholders to ensure that tourism remains a driver of economic transformation and regional prosperity.

For more information, contact:

Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA)

Department of Tourism Development

P.O. Box 4241, Kampala, Uganda

🌐 Website: www.tourism.go.ug