Hon. Col. Tom Butime, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, has called on President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to support Uganda’s tourism events sector as the country seeks to strengthen the industry’s contribution to economic development.
Butime made the call during World Tourism Day celebrations held in Mbale, following sustained advocacy by the National Tourism Events Organizers Federation (NTEOF) for greater government recognition and support for tourism events.
NTEOF President Sebulime Peter, popularly known as Demo Riley, welcomed the development, crediting the federation’s persistent advocacy and Butime’s commitment to advancing their cause.
“As NTEOF, we are grateful that Hon. Col. Tom Butime has honored his word and stood with us in advancing the tourism events sector. This has been possible because of our persistent advocacy and the commitment he made to support us,” Riley said.
He described the Minister’s intervention as an important step towards strengthening Uganda’s tourism events industry, while calling for further engagement at the highest level of government.
“What’s needed now is further engagement with the President to make these requests a reality and ensure they are implemented,” Riley added.
NTEOF has been advocating for stronger government support for event organisers, including access to affordable financing, improved security coordination, supportive tax policies and the integration of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) into Uganda’s tourism development framework.
According to the federation, increased support for tourism events could contribute to higher visitor arrivals, job creation, business growth and increased tourism spending across the country.
Riley thanked Butime for honouring his commitment and supporting NTEOF’s efforts to position tourism events as an important pillar of Uganda’s tourism and broader economic development agenda.
