“Analyzing the role of leaders and government in promoting Tourism through appropriate laws and policies for improved livelihoods of the ordinary citizens through tourism.”

On 23^rd November 2013, panelists appeared on HITS FM to discuss the role of leaders in promoting tourism for improved livelihoods of the ordinary citizens. This was during the ‘Orukurato Program’ a 2hour weekly radio program that discusses issues of accountability every Saturday (08:00 – 10:00pm) that is sponsored by ToroDev. 

“Tourism means the commercial organization and operation of holidays and visits to places of interest like natural resources such as wild life, land scape, among others. Tourism is so important because it brings a lot of foreign exchange in the country”, said Benjamin Kennedy, an expert in tourism.

Maria Mutagamba, Minister of Tourism

Mr. Benjamin further went ahead to indicate some of the challenges that hinder the development of Uganda's tourism sector. “The local people do not provide market for tourism because they think that it’s for the rich and so choose to spend their leisure time in bars, clubs and sports. The local people are also destroying tourist attractions through killing wild life like rhinos and elephants for ivory and destroying forests. Government is not investing enough in tourism and that’s why many roads leading to tourism sites are poor”. 

Hon Mugisa Herbert, Chairperson LC III, South Division Fort Portal Municipality Kabarole District also participated in the live radio discussion by indicating the poor government policies. “Policies made by the government are not implemented effectively. Some of the passed policies have failed completely such as the burning of the polythene bags (buveera) and stopping smoking in public.  The government should develop tourist sites, conserve land with tourist attractions instead of giving it to foreign investors so as to match with the competing world”. 

Local people also participated in the live radio discussion through call ins to raise their issues and concerns. “We have a beach and tourists like touring the place, but Rwatera road that leads to the tourist site is so poor”, said Kasasira from Kasenda Sub County in Kabarole District, “There are many crater lakes in my area but the local people whose land they occupy claim their ownership. Are crater lakes for the government or for the local people?”, said Mwesige from Kasunganyanja in Kabarole District, “Both political and local leaders should embrace tourism so as to bring in more foreighn exchange”, said Edward.

The 2hr (two hour) live radio discussion was moderated by Kasigazi Willy Donanto.