Uganda Uncovered, in partnership with the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), awarded the winners of the 4th Edition of the Travel Writing Competition 2024 on January 31. The ceremony took place at the UTB offices in Kampala, presided over by UTB Deputy Chief Executive Officer Mr. Bradford Ochieng.
Ochieng praised the Uganda Uncovered team for promoting Uganda’s beauty and encouraging budding writers to explore their country.
He noted that the travel writing initiative has inspired many Ugandans to tour their homeland and share their captivating stories.
The UTB deputy CEO pledged continued support for the Travel Writing initiative and training of travel writers.
He emphasized the government’s focus on tourism as a key foreign exchange earner, aiming to increase earnings from $1 billion to $10 billion through aggressive marketing and promotion.
Simplicious Gessa, UTB’s head of public relations and communications, expressed optimism about the growing interest in travel writing among Ugandans.
He encouraged participants to continue writing, highlighting the numerous publication platforms available.
The Travel Writing Competition, launched in 2021, has grown significantly, with over 317 participants registered in the 2024 competition.
Allen Irene Namisango, Team Leader at Uganda Uncovered, said the competition aims to encourage Ugandans to explore and showcase their country’s beauty.
The top 20 travel writers received certificates, gift hampers, and branded apparel.
The top three winners received cash prizes, mobile phones, and fully paid trips. Michael Turyakira emerged as the overall Best Travel Writer of 2024, followed by Winnie Nakiboneka and Bushirah Nalutaya.