By Nasser Kasozi Akandwanaho
Dr. Sudhir Rupaleria, Chairman of the Rupaleria group of companies has been hailed by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa for his passion and leadership in hospitality and tourism development in the country.
While officiating at the Tourism night event commemorating World Tourism Day in Kampala, RT.Hon.Deputy Speaker of Parliament Tayebwa said Mr. Sudhir is one of the investors who hold Uganda at heart.
“So Chairman, I want to thank you and your team of investors who have looked at Uganda as your number one destination for investment,” he added, assuring investors of the Government’s support whenever they needed it.
Mr. Tayebwa urged Ugandans to market their country wherever they go.
“This is our home, whether you want it or not we are going to be buried here,” He emphasized, adding, “Don’t hate your country because you don’t have any other country if you go around painting a picture of Uganda, that is totally different and yet for you, you come and enjoy, it’s a point of concern for some of us, you can say whatever you want but know the limit and be the Ambassador of Uganda wherever you are and that is one way we can promote tourism in Uganda,” he urged.
The Deputy Speaker also pledged Parliament’s support to the tourism sector through both legislation and appropriation in key enablers like infrastructure and security to raise the tourism momentum.
Under the new brand identity, Uganda will seek to increase tourism earnings, uplift investment and job creation, grow arrivals, increase the competitiveness of tourism destinations, improve collection and access to tourism information, and improve internal efficiency and effectiveness.
Throughout this week, several events in Kampala have occurred, including exhibitions depicting the region’s culture, natural and historical attractions, heritage, dance, drama, and music, leading to the climax today. The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre will showcase some of its animals.
Yesterday, different partners like the Uganda Tourism Board showcased their products.
Guests discovered new tourist destinations in the country. The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre also showcased some of its animals.
During the tourism night, a number of people who played a big role in promoting Uganda were awarded.
- United Nations Development Program
Awarded to UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT for the dedicated support towards Sustainable Tourism Development in Uganda.
- World Bank
Awarded to WORLD BANK – UGANDA COUNTRY OFFICE for the dedicated support towards Sustainable Tourism Development in Uganda.
- Embassy of Hungary, Awarded to EMBASSY OF HUNGARY for the dedicated support towards Sustainable Tourism Development in Uganda.
- European Union Awarded to EUROPEAN UNION COMMISSION IN UGANDA for the dedicated support towards Sustainable Tourism Development in Uganda.
- Hotelier
Awarded to DR. SUDHIR RUPARELIA
CHAIRMAN SPEKE GROUP OF HOTELS for Passion and Leadership in Hospitality and Tourism Development
- Restaurants – HAJ OMAR MANDELA Awarded to HAJJI AHMED OMAR MANDELA for the passion, innovation and development of the hospitality sector
- Eddy Kenzo
Awarded to EDDY KENZO for the passion and promotion of Tourism
through Music…
- Joshua Cheptegei……Awarded to JOSHUA CHEPTEGEI for the Passion and Promotion of Tourism through Sports
- Brian Namanya – TUBAYO
Awarded to BRIAN NAMANYA CEO TUBAYO.COM for the passion and promotion of digital innovation in tourism
- NBS
Awarded to NEXT MEDIA SERVICES for the passion and promotion of Tourism through Media
CERTIFICATES
- Mountain Clubs of Uganda
Awarded to MOUNTAIN CLUBS OF UGANDA for your passion and
promotion of mountaineering in Uganda
- Kara Tunga
Awarded to KARA TUNGA ARTS AND TOURS LTD for the passion and
promotion of community tourism in Uganda
- Adam Fishire – Tubing the Nile
Awarded to TUBING THE NILE for the Passion and Promotion of Water-
Based Adventure Tourism in Uganda
- Vilakazi
Awarded to VILAKAZI SAFARIS for the passion and promotion of
Domestic Tourism in Uganda
- Women Porters
Awarded to WOMEN PORTERS for the passion and selfless service in
mountaineering
- Extreme Adventure Park
Awarded to EXTREME ADVENTURE PARK for the passion and
promotion of adventure tourism in Uganda
- Baguma Restaurant
Awarded to BAGUMA RESTAURANT for the passion and growth of the
restaurant enterprise in traditional cuisine
- Chimpundu Lodge
Awarded to CHIMPUNDU LODGE for the passion and development of the
lodge enterprise in Uganda
- World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
Awarded to WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE for the dedicated
support towards Sustainable Tourism Development in Uganda
- Miss Tourism
Awarded to MISS TOURISM for the passion and promotion of tourism
through Pageantry.
Schools receiving certificates
- St. Lawrence University
- Makerere University
- Uganda Wildlife Research and Tourism Training Institute
- Kinawa High School – Mugongo
- Grace High School
- Kalinabiri Secondary School
- Sir Apollo Kaggwa Mengo
- Busega Preparatory School
- City Parents Primary School