UGANDA LAUNCHES WORLD TOURISM DAY 2025 WITH CELEBRATIONS TO TAKE PLACE IN ARUA CITY, WEST NILE.

Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka Mugarra, Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Speaking during the World Tourism Day 2025 Press Launch at Fairway Hotel on Tuesday, 2^nd September 2025.

The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities has officially launched the World Tourism Day 2025 celebrations under the international theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” The national events will run throughout September, culminating in a grand celebration on September 27^th, 2025, in Arua City, West Nile region.

Presiding over the media launch, Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to harnessing tourism as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation.

“This year’s theme reminds us that tourism is more than leisure and travel. It is a driver of long-term change, improves livelihoods, protects cultural heritage, biodiversity, and promotes inclusive growth,” said Hon. Mugarra.

He emphasized that the tourism sector is directly aligned with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV (NDPIV) and the Tenfold Growth Strategy, both of which prioritize tourism as a key driver of wealth creation, job opportunities, and regional development.

The 2025 celebrations will be hosted in Arua City, strategically chosen to spotlight the untapped tourism potential of the West Nile region. Visitors to the region will have the opportunity to experience:

• Mt. Wati – the highest peak in the region, offering panoramic hiking opportunities.

• Ajai Wildlife Reserve – home to diverse species and set to host rhinos for the first time.

• River Nile – at its dramatic entry into South Sudan.

• Cultural heritage sites of the Lugbara, Madi, Alur, and Kakwa communities.

The West Nile region also boasts of key markets, traditional cuisines, colorful festivals, and heritage trails that tell the story of Uganda’s northwestern corridor.

A Month of Nationwide Tourism Activities

Throughout September, a series of activities will be held across Uganda to mark Tourism Month 2025, including:

• Tourism exhibitions showcasing cultural products, innovations, and investment opportunities.

• familarization trips to West Nile’s tourism attractions for both domestic and international audiences.

• Seminars and dialogues focused on sustainable tourism and community-centered investments.

• Youth and school engagement programs to raise awareness about conservation, cultural heritage, and tourism careers.

These activities are designed to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), majorly in areas of climate resilience, innovation, skills development, and regional equity.

Hon. Mugarra thanked local governments in the West Nile region, especially Arua City, as well as organizing committees, development partners, and the private sector for their contribution to this year’s celebrations. He also recognized the media as an essential partner in promoting Uganda’s tourism.

“The media plays a crucial role in showcasing Uganda’s beauty, amplifying national campaigns, and inspiring Ugandans to explore their own country. Without their support, the impact of the World Tourism Day celebrations would be greatly reduced,” he noted.

Tourism Sector Leaders and Stakeholders led by Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, pose for a group photo after the press launch of World Tourism Day 2025 at Fairway Hotel on Tuesday, 2^nd September 2025.

The Minister further called upon Ugandans to actively participate in the celebrations as he said, “Travel, explore, and experience the richness of Arua, West Nile, and indeed the whole of Uganda. Let us use tourism to bridge cultures, celebrate diversity, and drive sustainable transformation for our people and our nation.”

World Tourism Day is celebrated globally every year on September 27 to foster awareness about tourism’s role in social, cultural, political, and economic development. This year, Uganda will join the rest of the world in highlighting tourism as a major driver of sustainable transformation.