Kampala, Uganda. March 6, 2019 – Following the recent announcement of managerial changes at Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), the new Chief Executive Officer, Lilly Ajarova and Deputy Bradford Ochieng have officially assumed office.
Ajarova, who replaces Stephen Asiimwe, was until recently the Executive Director at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust. Ochieng who replaces John Ssempebwa has hitherto served as the Director of Corporate Affairs at Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA).
Commenting on her appointment, Ajarova said the opportunity presented a good challenge given that it offered the enviable task of getting Uganda onto the next level by ‘creating a clear path on how to get there.’
“This is a very exciting opportunity given that we have the chance to network and lobby the right people to make sure that our sector moves forward. My focus is to have a clear plan on how to promote Uganda’s tourism industry. We shall review and update existing plans so that there is clear direction on where we want to reach as an industry,” she said.
Ajarova who has dedicated her life to animal welfare, biodiversity conservation, environmental education and sustainable tourism development, says that her priority will be the establishment of a national brand identity for Uganda.
Ochieng on the other hand says that his efforts will be dedicated to ensuring that active measures are taken to regulate and improve the quality of hotel and tourist facilities in the country.
“We would like to ensure that there are minimum standards for accommodation and restaurant facilities throughout the country. This process will also enable us to be able to ascertain the number of establishments available for domestic and foreign tourists across the country,” he said.
Adding, “I believe that once we have the right facilities in place, it will bolster our ability to become more competitive and offer customized products for the different classes of tourists.”
Hon. Daudi Migereko, the Chairman Board of Directors, UTB said that he is confident in the team chosen saying he believes they will steer the country’s tourism sector to where it aspires to be.
“We have reorganized and restructured at UTB and in Ms. Ajarova and Mr. Ochieng, I believe we have very competent personnel to market our country more effectively. The new team will be reaching out to the different stakeholders for collaborative, promotional and marketing programs. Please gives us your support,” he said.
Mr. Ochieng assumed office on March 1, 2019 while Ms. Ajarova assumed office on March 5, 2019. She is currently representing the board at the ITB Belin Travel trade expo currently underway in Germany.
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