Uganda minister for Tourism Professor Ephraim Kamuntu has called for Private –Public Partnership as a tool for promotion of tourism through capacity building and skills development .He observed that Tourism is one of the primary engines of economic growth that will transform Uganda from a developing country to a middle class nation.
Professor Kamuntu was on Thursday, June 30, 2011 addressing exhibitors and the attendees of the Buganda Tourism Expo at Lubiri grounds in Kampala. He said Ugandans need to change their mindset from viewing tourism as leisure activity for those with nothing to do as well as foreigners.
‘This attitude must change as we appreciate tourism products as part of our heritage which we should develop first for ourselves before marketing it to the others, ‘observed the minister who was flanked by Ms Agnes Akiror the state minister for Tourism. He also argued that the most visited countries are also the most influential in the world, having attained this status through promotion and preservation of their tourism attractions including historical sites
The minister who earlier toured the stands for major exhibitors and sponsors including Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre and the Tourism Board, also emphasized that tourism can only thrive in a conducive peaceful environment thus urging Ugandans to desist from engaging in subversive activities.
Professor Kamuntu also identified management of cultural diversity as a prerequisite to growth of tourism saying diversity should be a source of unity and not conflict. He warned against cultural arrogance and inferiority.
Earlier, Ms Akiror commended the Buganda government for the initiative to popularize tourism activities and challenged them to sensitize the rest of the communities in Uganda so that we can all peacefully co-exist.
The event was attended by chief executives of the leading the tourism agencies including Dr. Andrew Seguya for UWA, James Musinguzi for UWEC, Mr. Edwin Muzahuura the marketing and Public relations manager for UTB .
