JINJA: The Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Col (Rtd) Tom Butime, on Thursday inaugurated the new Uganda Tourism Board of Directors that will serve for the next three years.
At a colourful ceremony that took place at Mestil Hotel in Kampala, tourism enthusiast Pearl Kakooza was appointed Board chair replacing former Tourism minister Daudi Migereko.
Others appointed to the board are Uganda Civil Aviation Authority deputy director general, Olive Lumonye, Ssali Sandra Kebirungi (Ministry of Finance), Vicent Operimo (National Planning Authority) and Stephen Masaba (Uganda Wildlife Authority).
Others are Vivian Lyazi representing the Ministry of Tourism, Margaret Ojara (NACCAU), Tonny Mulinde (tour operators), Rashid Kiyimba (hoteliers), Ronald Kawamara Kazooba( tourism in general) and Lily Ajarova as an ex-officio but also secretary to the board.
Speaking during the inauguration, minister Butime thanked the outgoing Board of Directors for the significant milestones registered to enhance Uganda’s global tourism appeal, preserving cultural heritage and driving sustainable tourism development.
“Their dedication and strategic guidance has been instrumental in positioning Uganda as a must explore destination for travelers worldwide,” Minister Butime said.
The new UTB board chairperson, Pearl Kakooza, urged her fellow members to put national interests above personal interests in whatever they do.
“We must improve on what the previous board has achieved. Our tasks have been spelt out in the board charter but most importantly to increase the visitor numbers. We are coming in when a red carpet has been rolled out for us because Uganda hosted the NAM and G77 plus China summits. We must build on these to promote our country as a visitor destination,” Kakooza said.
The outgoing chairperson Migereko urged the new Board to work tirelessly to propel the tourism sector by paying attention to domestic tourism and ensuring collaborations that foster tourism sector growth.
Meanwhile, UTB CEO Lily Ajarova urged the new board to remain steadfast in the promotion of sustainable tourism but also ensuring Uganda maintains a top position as a visitor destination.
“UTB remains committed to collaborating closely with stakeholders across the tourism industry, government agencies and local communities to drive innovation, foster sustainable tourism practices and unlock the full potential of Uganda’s tourism sector,” Ajarova said.
The new board will serve for a period of three years, renewable once.
