On September 28, 2026, during the World Tourism Day celebrations in Mbale City, Uganda's President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni proposed that the Bugisu folk song be considered as the official anthem for the East African Federation. The President praised the anthem's lyrics and melody, highlighting its cultural significance to the people of Bugisu. He emphasized that it would serve better as the official anthem of the East African Federation if the region's long-term political integration aspirations materialize.
During the same event, President Museveni commissioned the Mbale Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, commonly known as Mbale Zoo, established by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to promote wildlife conservation education and tourism in the Elgon Sub-region. The President commended UWA for establishing the regional facility, saying it would contribute to raising awareness about wildlife conservation while creating another tourism attraction for residents and visitors to the region.
President Museveni called on Ugandans to tap into the global tourism market, describing tourism as one of the lucrative service industries, particularly for households with limited land for commercial agriculture. He encouraged communities to position themselves to benefit from the sector's wide economic multiplier effect, which supports a broad chain of activities, including accommodation, transport, food, entertainment, guiding, cultural enterprises, and other services.
The President contrasted the size of the global tourism industry with the coffee market, saying tourism presents economic opportunities on a much larger scale. He urged residents of the Elgon Sub-region to take advantage of the country's four broad wealth-creation sectors—commercial agriculture, manufacturing and artisanship, services, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT)—to improve household incomes.
President Museveni also unveiled a Tourism Conservation Strategy for the Elgon Sub-region, emphasizing the importance of protecting forests and wetlands from encroachment and degradation. He warned that environmental destruction threatens Uganda's tourism industry, as forests, wetlands, wildlife habitats, and other ecosystems form an important foundation for the country's natural attractions.
The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Col. (Rtd) Tom Butime, said the Government is increasingly embracing digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of efforts to promote domestic and international tourism. He described Mbale and the wider Elgon Sub-region as areas with distinctive tourism products, citing the region's spectacular scenery, Mount Elgon landscape, cuisine, cultural heritage, and hospitality.
The Netherlands Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Angèle Samura, highlighted emerging opportunities for increased tourism investment and cooperation between Uganda and European partners, particularly in the hospitality sector. She mentioned areas of potential cooperation, including human-capital development and skills training, sustainable hospitality practices, and the adoption of Artificial Intelligence and other digital technologies to improve tourism services and enhance visitor experiences.
Key points
- President Museveni proposes the Bugisu folk song as the official East African Federation anthem.
- The President commissions the Mbale Wildlife Conservation Education Centre to promote wildlife conservation education and tourism.
- The Government is embracing digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence to promote domestic and international tourism.
