The Minister of State for Tourism, Hon. Susan Nsambu Nakawukyi, has underscored the importance of conservation, sustainable tourism and community participation in strengthening Uganda’s position as a leading global tourism destination.
Nakawukyi made the remarks during a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as part of the third leg of her nationwide tourism familiarisation tour.
During the visit, the Minister embarked on her first-ever mountain gorilla trek, where she encountered the renowned Binyindo Gorilla Family. The experience highlighted Bwindi’s importance to Uganda’s tourism sector and the country’s reputation as one of the world’s premier destinations for mountain gorilla trekking.
The Minister’s tour also focused on the role of communities living around protected areas in conservation and tourism development.
Nakawukyi engaged with communities neighbouring Bwindi and experienced the cultural heritage of the Batwa people. She emphasised the government’s commitment to preserving indigenous cultures, improving community livelihoods and ensuring that people living around protected areas benefit from wildlife conservation and tourism.
The visit further highlighted the need to balance tourism development with environmental protection, while creating economic opportunities for communities that play a critical role in safeguarding Uganda’s natural and cultural heritage.
The nationwide familiarisation tour is aimed at showcasing Uganda’s diverse tourism attractions and promoting inclusive and sustainable tourism development.
It is also expected to strengthen partnerships between the government, conservation agencies, local communities and development partners as Uganda seeks to increase the contribution of tourism to economic growth and community development.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, renowned internationally for its mountain gorillas and biodiversity, remains one of Uganda’s flagship tourism attractions and an important pillar of the country’s conservation efforts.
