The Minister of Tourism, Tom Butime, encouraged members of the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth, held in Uganda, to act as ambassadors for the country’s tourism.
The conference, attended by at least thirty-three speakers, concluded with a tour of the Uganda Wildlife Education and Conservation Centre (UWECC). Some locals questioned the expenses incurred, but the Ministry of Tourism aimed to use the event to promote Uganda’s tourism industry amid security alerts from the US and the UK.
Minister Butime emphasized Uganda’s tourist attractions during the UWECC tour, showcasing various animals, including a Sumatran tiger, rhinos, lions, crocodiles, snakes, elephants, chimpanzees, otters, and rare birds.
The visitors witnessed the release of caged big cats and were captivated by the chimpanzees’ behaviors, leadership, and intelligence.
The UWECC executive director highlighted Uganda’s diverse ecosystems and explained the significance of the exhibited wildlife. The guests planted five indigenous tree species, aligning with the conference theme of preserving biodiversity, and initiated a “parliamentary” garden.
Each planted tree was named after the planter, symbolizing a commitment to future tourism investment. Despite initial skepticism, the guests expressed enjoyment and pledged to return with family members for further exploration.