Todwong praises the tourism sector as he interacts with communities around Bwindi National Game Park

By APN Reporter

apearlnews.com

The National Resistance Movement Party Secretary-General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, has hailed the role the tourism sector has played towards the development of Uganda. Mr. Todwong, who was interacting with communities around Bwindi Impenetrable wildlife conservation center on Tuesday as part of his working visit in the Kigezi sub-region, informed people in the area that tourism is an economy where you can easily generate income from natural resources, urging members to preserve this flora and fauna for the sustainability of the sector. He praised the role the hospitality industry has played in providing employment and generating revenue for the country.

“We would like to appreciate the Uganda Wildlife Authority and community members around Bwindi Wildlife Conservation, a game park famous for mountain gorillas, for protecting the flora and fauna.” You have done a great job of promoting the tourism sector in Uganda, “Todwong said.

He also urged all Ugandans and international tourists to spare time and visit this endowed part of Uganda to appreciate the beauty of nature.

“When you visit places in Kigezi that serve the two game parks of Bwindi and Mgahinga wildlife conservation, you will appreciate that Uganda is a Pearl of Africa, as Winston Churchill said,” he noted.

In a way of promoting tourism through culture, the Secretary General spent part of his time interacting with Batwa people who traditionally lived in the eastern DRC forests and parts of southwestern Uganda before they were assimilated into the new culture. As history states, the indigenous occupants of the area showcased their cultural dances.

Todwong noted that tourism is an increasingly important contributor to Uganda’s economy. The industry contributes 7.75% of the GDP and 6.7% of total national employment.

As a value chain industry, he states, tourism employs many people, starting from the transport sector, tour guides, hotel operators, craft dealers, and farmers who sell their farm produce to tourists.

The SG, Todwong, who has kicked off his week-long working visit to the Kigezi sub-region, will tomorrow head to Kisoro district in South Eastern Uganda, where he is expected to interact with party leaders to set the tone for party mobilization, sensitization and assessment of salient issues in the area.

He is accompanied by NRM party senior directors; Deputy National Treasurer, Hon. Kyatuhaire Jaqueline; NRM party Electoral Commission Chairman, Dr. Tanga Odoi; Director for Mobilization, Hon. Seninde Rosemery; and Director for Communication and PR, Hon. Emmanuel Lumala Dombo.