The tourism sector was the hardest hit by COVID19 and based on an assessment that the United Nations the system did in Uganda on the impacts of the pandemic, it’s projected that this sector will lose up to Five Billion US Dollars over the next five four years with a profound impact on small businesses.

Due to the business ecosystem created by the tourism value chain, several informal businesses greatly rely on tourism, ranging from food and beverages, arts and crafts, transportation, clothing, nightlife, recreation, entertainment, and more.

These Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have suffered, and the projections are that up to 60% of these small businesses face the risk of completely going out of business, increasing the unemployment gap among the youth and women.

This effect has increased the unemployment rate by up to 46%, especially in the informal sector and hospitality industry.

It’s on this background that the UNDP came in with support to revive the tourism sector by sponsoring projects that harness nature and digital technologies to rebuild the tourism sector.

Their current partnership with the “Ekyooto Ha Mpango Tourism and Cultural Festival” focuses on developing and marketing the natural and cultural endowments of the region and attracting a multitude of local and in the long run international visitors to the region to positively impact the tourism value chain and communities in the greater Tooro region.

While announcing their partnership with the Ekyooto Ha Mpango Tourism and Cultural festival last week during a digital press conference at the Capital gardens, Mr. Innocent Fred Ejolu, the Partnerships, Innovation and Development Solutions Specialist at UNDP noted that, “The UNDP would like to thank the King of Tooro for giving us an opportunity to use this cultural celebration of Ekyooto Ha Mpango to actually push for the rebuilding of the tourism industry not only in Tooro kingdom, but in the greater Rwenzori area.”


UNDP has partnered with the Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities, Government agencies in the Tourism space including Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Tourism Board, Cultural bodies, mainly The Tooro Kingdom, and the Private sector including Talent Africa Group to create this unique sustainable the product that is not only going to rebuild the Tourism Industry but also create income-generating opportunities for innovative ideas from Youth in the region.

The opportunities will arise from a series of business training focusing on Tourism and Agro-business, an expo showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Tooro Kingdom and Community involvement in the Tourism ecosystem.

The Festival also presents an opportunity to reorient Ugandans into discovering their own country with discounted Tourism excursions around the Rwenzori Region through partners like Great Lakes Safaris, Pristine Tours, and Let’s Go Travel. Adrenaline Junkies, Sports enthusiasts, and Adventurous travelers also have a chance to explore the
Rwenzori region on fun cycling rides, walkathons, a boat regatta, and a marathon during the festival in partnership with Ultimate Sports Group and MediaPlus.

To participate in the Ekyooto Ha Mpango festival, visit www.ekyoototooro.com, WhatsApp or call 0777
564997