Yesterday Friday 13th March 2023, Destination Kasese was at the limelight as they hosted Explore West campaign as an extension of the Explore Uganda. Uganda Tourism Board launched the ‘’Explore Uganda’’ – The Pearl of Africa brand that is aimed at communicating the unique tourism proposition in the domestic, regional and international marketplace for increased tourism numbers.
The new brand promise seeks to reemphasize Uganda’s rare depth, beautiful range and precious variety of attractions for a competitive market share.
Explore Uganda extended to the western part of the country through Explore West campaign which started at Lake Mburo National Park via Mbarara and Rubirizi districts before the caravan reached Destination Kasese that will be hosting another tourism event known as Rwenzori Theluji Festival. The festival organized by Kasese Tourism Investors Forum will feature Biodiversity run, Tourism Trade & Investment Expo, Rwenzori Marathon, among other events.
Martin Mugarra, the State minister for Tourism pledged support to the festival through participation and being part of the highly anticipated event slated for September 2023.
“The ministry of Tourism will provide support to the upcoming Festival that will happen in September” Mugarra said.
Baritazale Kule Benson, the chairperson for the Kasese Tourism Investors Forum (KTIF) requested the Ministry of Tourism for the recognition of Destination Kasese as a tourism cluster and invited the caravan to the Rwenzori Theluji Festival.
He added that KTIF is a member-driven trade association that promotes tourism in the Rwenzori region to Africa and all corners of the world.
“KTIF is recognized as the Voice of the Rwenzori Tourism, the forum serves and supports tourism investors’ businesses in the region representing buyers and suppliers of tourism products across the Rwenzori region,” Baritazale said.
Government through the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities clustered geographical areas in 2014 aimed at extending support towards tourism product development, profiling every cluster’s most unique, relevant tourism products, publicising and marketing products, signage and documentation.
Clusters come with benefits such as identifying and mapping tourism products and services in the cluster, increasing turnover by offering joint products, protecting mutual interests, development and competitiveness in tourism promotion.
The Explore West Caravan was hosted at Mweya Safari Lodge in queen Elizabeth National Park for a night and at the Marathon grounds also known as Lions Gardens in the middle of Kasese town before they proceeded to Kilembe Mines and Bulembia Primary school where they donated assorted scholastic and health materials worthy UGX 3M as a corporate social responsibility.
Kickboxer Moses Golola, Comedians Patrick Salvado, Madrat and Chicco, Jjajja Bruce among other celebrities were part of the caravan and kept entertaining the crowds during the various stopovers.