The Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Col. (RTD) Tom Butiime called upon the new 4th board of Directors appointed for the different roles at the Uganda Tourism Board to stand instrumental in the promotion of Uganda’s local domestic tourism product and also lay synergies for marketing destination Uganda across the region and beyond given that the Airport was reopening by 1st October.
The Minister made this call during the inauguration ceremony for the Uganda Tourism Board incoming 4th board of Directors held at Mestil hotel and Residences, Nsambya on Wednesday 30th September 2020.
The outgoing 3rd board of Directors included; Honorable Daudi Migereko (Chairperson), Ms Susan Muhwezi (Vice Chairperson Member board of Directors), Eddie Kirya (Head of tour operators), Mr Paul Mwanja, Prof. Suleiman Katende, Mr Chemongesi Sabira, Mr Bagnesi Birigwa, Alhaji Eng. Ayub Soma, Mr Ronald Kagwa, Ms Edith Kateme Kasajja, Prof. Tom Davis Waswa, Mr James and former Chief Executive Officer Mr Stephen Asiimwe and Ms Lilly Ajarova who also served as the previous member secretary of the board.
The newly appointed 4th Board of Directors effective 30th September 2020 comprises; Hon Daudi Migereko as the board chairman, Katende Suleiman (Representative for Uganda Tour Operators Association), Ms Susan Muhwezi (Representative for Hospitality Accommodation providers, Mr Kirya Eddie (Member Representative UTOA), Ms Susan Birigwa (Representative Private Aviation Industry), Mr Vivian Lyazzi (Member Representative Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities), Mr Mwanja Paul (Representative for Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development), Mr Chemongesi Sabira (Representative Uganda Wildlife Authority), Ronald Kagwa (Representative National Planning Authority), Alhajji Soma Baker (Representative Civil Aviation Authority), and Ms Lilly Ajarova as CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board.
Speaking during the 4th board of Directors Inauguration Ceremony, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Ms Doreen Katusiime revealed of the importance of the board of Directors as they play a key delegated function of governing Uganda Tourism Board and therefore a very crucial organ that provides direction of the board.
She added that, “The 3rd board of Directors steered the Organization very well for the past 3 years and I would like to salute them for the commendable efforts. This board came into existence at a very difficult time because we had never had a board for a period of one year and the members faced a very challenging moment for restructuring Uganda Tourism Board, it was quite a tedious exercise since they had to recruit appropriate candidates to execute different roles and that’s now the staff we see here including the CEO Lilly Ajarova and the Deputy CEO.
Katusiime further noted that, “The 3rd board of Directors has also witnessed the Organization go through a chain of functions including developing Policy, documents and I believe the 4th board has a firm foundation on where to begin from.
She also thanked the Minister Col. (RTD) Tom Butiime for taking lead role in appointing the 4th board of Directors and also Uganda Tourism Board team for steering the institution in the shortest period possible now that there was no board for the recent previous 3 months.
She continued and urged the newly appointed 4th board of Directors to perform their delegated powers as they will directly report to the Minister and also promised the board full necessary support and guidance on account that the members execute roles towards the success of UTB mandate.
The Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Col. (RTD) Tom Butiime upon inaugurating the new 4th Board of Directors said, “In exercise of the powers vested in me under section 4(4) of the Uganda Tourism Act 2008 and also following Cabinet approval under Tenant 353 of 2020, I am pleased to unveil the 4th Board of Directors, who have been appointed to constitute on the Uganda Tourism Board effective September 30th 2020 for a tenure of 3 years”.
The Minister also revealed that they will be directly reporting to him at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.
UTB Board Chairman Hon. Daudi Migereko expressed thanks to the Minister and the Opportunity availed by Government and also for entrusting the 4th Board of Directors in accordance with the law to enable them execute their roles on behalf of Government of Uganda with regards to the Development of Tourism sector.
He quoted “We have been unveiled as the 4th Board of Directors, we thank the NRM Government and His Excellency Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for giving us another term to serve at Uganda Tourism Board, the tourism industry and the Country at large.
To us, this isn’t something to underestimate, especially when those with the powers and Authority don’t give you the opportunity even when you are very competent and able, you can’t be able to serve, Honorable Minister and the Government we really appreciate the opportunity.
He added, “I take the gratitude to appreciate the Ministry for accepting the nominations from the different constituencies who forwarded names of the board members to you and are apparently highly knowledgeable and very competent.
Hon. Daudi Migereko further said that, “Tourism until a few years ago was perceived lightly in Uganda but because of the efforts of some people at the Ministry, within the industry, the Private Sector among others in their own capacities have literary worked hard to uplift the industry to being the biggest foreign exchange earner in Uganda and also being the biggest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contributor in the Country and major driver towards economic transformation, now that everybody talks about tourism.
He concluded that, “Our contribution as the 3rd board of Directors like the Permanent Secretary mentioned was to put in some good amounts of work and therefore, we have been working and also prepared our handover report that consists many of the things we have been able to work on in line with the performance Charter. This is a clear guide that we are still on track and must report periodically and must file a termly report when your service comes to an end. However, the Minister tasked us to prepare a post Covid-19 recovery plan for the Tourism sector”.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Sheilah Gatiya on behalf of Ms Elsie Attafua upon addressing guests at the 4th board of Directors Inauguration Ceremony congratulated appointees to the Uganda Tourism Board high committee and pledged UNDPs support especially towards the development of the domestic tourism product.
She said that, “I am delighted to once again welcome you to Inauguration Ceremony of the 4th board of Directors and extend my warm greetings from United Nations Development Program and really congratulate you upon this milestone.
She added, “We commend you for drafting a comprehensive tourism recovery plan including the digitization of the Sector. Before Covid-19, tourism was immensely contributing to approximately 70% towards the GDP of the Country employing Ugandans both directly and indirectly and thus the Covid-19 pandemic avails us an opportunity to derive key strategies towards the road to recovery and also discuss on how to revive visitors.
She concluded that the UNDP has offered to partner with the tourism industry for growth and sustainability and will support the board towards the development of domestic tourism, recovery of tourism destinations and urged companies involved in the tourism business to prioritize the power of digital innovations and solutions.
The Inauguration Ceremony for the 4th board of Directors ended with an awarding session to the 3rd board of Directors done by the Hon. Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Col. (RTD) Tom Butiime for their efforts rendered during their service and also a Charter exchange the 4th appointed board of Directors.
About Guide2Uganda
Guide2Uganda (www.guide2uganda.ug) is the most comprehensive source of information about Uganda that exists on the web, with more content on Uganda and surrounding towns, attractions, museums and galleries than any other online guide that currently exists for Uganda as well as being a dynamic news and comprehensive events driven site with content being added daily.
According to WeFollow & Peer Index (whom both measure online influence) we are among the most influential online media organizations in Uganda. We were also awarded for ‘’Best Destination Website in Uganda’’ by Jumia Travel Uganda in the 2017-2018 Africa Travel Awards. If you are planning a visit to Uganda you can always reach us on; info@guide2uganda.ug
