The National Resistance Movement party Secretary General, Richard Todwong has hailed the tourism sector for the role it has played towards the development of Uganda.
Todwong who was interacting with communities around Bwindi Impenetrable wildlife conservation centre on Tuesday as part of his working visit in Kigezi sub-region informed people in the area that tourism is an economy where you easily generate income from natural resources.
He urged the community to preserve these flora and fauna for the sustainability of the sector. He prized the role the Hospitality industry has played in providing employment and generating revenue for the country.
Todwong appreciated the Uganda Wildlife Authority and community members around Bwindi wildlife conservation, a game park famous for mountain gorillas, for the role played in protecting the flora and fauna.
“You have done a great job towards promoting tourism in Uganda,” he said.
Todwong 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- Mgahinga wildlife conservation, you will appreciate that Uganda is a Pearl of Africa as Winston Churchill said,” he noted.
During his stay in Bwindi, the NRM Secretary General spent part of his time interacting with the Batwa people who traditionally lived in the Eastern DRC forests and part of South Western Uganda before they were assimilated into new culture.
Todwong noted that, tourism is an increasingly important contributor to Uganda’s economy. The industry contribute 7.75% of the GDP and 6.7% of total national employment.
As a value chain industry, he noted that tourism employs many people starting from the transport sector, tour guides, hotel operators, craft dealers and farmers who sell their farm produce to tourists.
Todwong has kicked off his week-long working visit to Kigezi sub-region and will Wednesday head to Kisoro district in South Eastern Uganda where is expected to interact with party leaders to set 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.