As Uganda gears up for the sixth edition of this year’s Uganda International Fashion Week (UIFW) scheduled to take place between 2nd to 4th August at the Kampala Serena Hotel, the Uganda Tourism Board, a government tourism marketing agency in Uganda and beyond has unveiled a Sponsorship package worth Shs 74 million towards Organizing the event.
Uganda Tourism Board’s Marketing Manager made the Sponsorship announcement during the launch of the UIFW as she emphasized the necessity to look at other segments of tourism that go beyond just wildlife.
It is recorded that the Fashion Industry all over the world is worth $700 billion, an opportunity Uganda can take advantage of and develop its own indigenous fashion industry as it targets positioning itself as a major cultural hub across the region and continent at large.
Currently, UTB is supportive of other cultural activities though it looks forward to create broader tourism prospects that can also attract Ugandans as well who are growing an appetite for local designers, many of whom are already establishing themselves on the market.
“The opportunities are enormous around our culture, and each of these different people in Uganda has a fashion that is unique. The Uganda International Fashion Week, therefore, gives us the opportunity to showcase our unique culture to a global audience,” remarked Mugabi.
Hosted by Arapapa, Santa Anzo, under the theme “Business behind Fashion”, the UIFW will be focusing on showcasing the potential of the fashion industry as a key contributor to tourism and economic development.
“Tourism by extension is an industry that has the potential to employ many youths in Uganda. It doesn’t take much to become a participant in this lucrative industry. All one needs is the will and determination,” Mugabi added.
With the growing trend of Ugandans feeling proud to wear Ugandan designers, to actually support local talents and our own country, this can be used as an opportunity for many unemployed youths to venture into the cultural and fashion industry to earn a living. A number of fashion designers are finding success in selling their apparel to tourists both local and international. This is giving Uganda’s tourism industry an opportunity to provide diverse culture and fashion offerings to tourists.
“We also have to diversify our range of products so as to showcase our uniqueness. These are some of the things that we are doing as UTB,” added Mugabi.
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