The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities Hon. Tom Butime has tasked the newly appointed Board of Directors of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) to transform Uganda into a premier tourist destination.
Comprising a team of 11 members, each selected for their exemplary expertise in Uganda’s tourism sector, the board’s inauguration ceremony held on February 8th at Mestil Hotel Nsambya marked a pivotal moment in Uganda’s journey towards global tourism prominence.
Led by Pearl Hoareau Kakooza, the Board embodies a fusion of seasoned professionals poised to steer Uganda’s tourism narrative towards unequaled heights. Other members include Olive Birungi Lumonya, Sally Sandra Kebirungi, Vincent Operemo, Stephen Sanyi Masaba, Vivian Lyazi, Margaret Arach Ojara, Tony Mulinde, Rashid Kiyimba, Ronald Kazooba Kawamara and Lilly Ajarova.
Minister Butime, in his address to the new Board, articulated a compelling vision for Uganda’s tourism future, emphasizing the sector’s pivotal role in driving economic growth, fostering job creation, and nurturing social and cultural development.
“The tourism industry in Uganda holds immense potential for economic growth, job creation and social and cultural development of our people. It is therefore imperative that UTB under the guidance of the new board continues to pursue innovative strategies, sustainable practices and partnerships that enhance Uganda’s competitiveness in the global tourism markets,” Butime affirmed.
Lilly Ajarova, the CEO of UTB and secretary of the Board, echoed Butime’s sentiments, urging her fellow board members to champion sustainable tourism initiatives, safeguard Uganda’s rich natural and cultural heritage, and foster inclusivity within the sector.
“We must work tirelessly to ensure that Uganda remains the destination of choice for travellers who are seeking authentic experiences, breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality. I am confident that we shall overcome challenges, seize opportunities and realize the full potential of Uganda’s tourism sector,” Said Ajarova.
In a stirring transition of leadership, the outgoing Board chairperson Daudi Migereko imparted invaluable wisdom to the new board, urging them to diligently execute President Yoweri Museveni’s directives issued the previous year.
These directives, he said, ranging from infrastructure development to staff training, serve as a clear strategy for Uganda’s tourism renaissance, demanding swift and decisive action from the newly appointed board.
The board embraced Migereko’s charge with fervor, pledging unwavering commitment to realize Uganda’s full tourism potential on the global stage.
With the new board at the helm, the tourism sector in Uganda stands poised to follow a transformative journey, promising unprecedented opportunities for growth, prosperity, and global acclaim.