Stakeholders Caution Against Environmental Destruction

The Prime Minister of Uganda, Robina Nabbanja, has expressed concerns about the ongoing impacts of climate change affecting numerous people emphasizing the need for green investments to conserve the environment.

Nabbanja warned against the destruction of the environment, which she says has led to many disasters around the globe.

“Forests get destroyed when we are just looking. Destroying the environment means destroying the home for our beautiful wildlife and plants, destroying the environment means destroying one of the major sources of income for our country.“

“The world is experiencing serious climate change related disasters, such as droughts, floods, among others, these disasters have killed thousands of people and destroyed property worth billions around our planet. Without a doubt, the planet is angry with us. We have destroyed the forests and wetlands. And so it is therefore important to pursue green investment and promote sustainable use of our resources to benefit big percentage of our population and also the future generation. ,” she said.

Adding, “Our country is indeed gifted by nature, our tourism is largely nature based and this industry is one of the major foreign exchange earners for this country.”

She made the remarks during the celebrations of the International World Tourism Day, in Hoima city, under the theme, ‘Tourism and Green Investments.’

Meanwhile, The Minister of Tourism Tom Butiime, emphasized the importance of a tourism investment strategy as a means to revitalize Uganda’s tourism sector which was severely impacted by the COVID 19 pandemic.

He said strides have been made in the construction of tourism roads, with government taking on the Kabalega international Airport to support the oil and gas sector but also the tourism industry.

“There are a number of concerns that need to be addressed if we are to enjoy the much needed tourism fruits,” he said.

lily Ajarova, Chief Executive Officer Uganda Tourism Board, said the WTD is an opportunity that brings different stakeholders in the industry together, and the general public gets to be informed of what is going on.

On her part, Ms. Elsie Attafuah Resident Representative, UNDP Uganda, said the potential of tourism is enormous, calling for a a shared responsibility to make sure that it is fully realized.

“We also have a duty to ensure that as the potential is realized, it generates jobs and livelihoods opportunities, supports local businesses and industries; and conserves the country’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. So let us all do more to harness the full potential of sustainable tourism. Because investing in sustainable tourism is investing in a better future for all,” she noted.