MBALE, Uganda — Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Hon. Col. Tom Butime has called on President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to support Uganda’s tourism events sector during the World Tourism Day celebrations held in Mbale.

The call follows sustained advocacy by the National Tourism Events Organizers Federation (NTEOF) for greater government recognition and support for tourism events as a driver of Uganda’s economic transformation.

NTEOF President, Sebulime Peter alias Demo Riley, said the development was made possible by the federation’s persistent advocacy and a commitment made by Minister Butime to support 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,” said Demo Riley.

He described the Minister’s intervention as an important step forward for Uganda’s tourism events industry.

“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 organizers, including affordable financing, improved security coordination, supportive tax policies and the integration of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) into Uganda’s tourism development framework.

The federation says stronger support for tourism events can help increase visitor arrivals, create jobs, support businesses and boost tourism spending across the country.

Riley thanked Hon. Col. Tom Butime for honoring his commitment and supporting NTEOF’s efforts to position tourism events as an important pillar of Uganda’s tourism and economic development agenda.