Outgoing Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) Board of Directors chairperson Hon. Daudi Migereko has cautioned the new Board of Directors against creating a rift between the board, the appointing authorities and the various categories of tourism stakeholders if they are to progress seamlessly.
Creating and fostering cordial relations with the Uganda Tourism Board, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, the private sector, the national carrier Uganda Airlines and other agencies in the tourism industry, Migereko emphasized, will enable the board to achieve more.
“Sometimes we become too strong as board members, as CEOs and we forget that we are there holding delegated responsibilities. You need to maintain sound relations with the appointing Minister and Ministry. It does not mean you blindly follow what you are told but be in a position to sit down, discuss and collectively agree on the way forward,” Migereko said.
He made these remarks on Thursday during the inauguration of the new UTB Board of Directors at Mestil Hotel in Nsambya, presided over by the Minister of Tourism Hon. Tom Butime.
Speaking at the event, Minister Butime commended the work done by the outgoing Board which he said was an invaluable contribution towards the development and promotion of tourism in Uganda.
“Under the chairmanship of Honourable Migereko and his deputy Mrs. Susan Muhwezi, we have witnessed vital strides in elevating Uganda’s profile as a premium destination regionally and internationally. Under the Board stewardship, Uganda acquired the brand Explore Uganda the Pearl of Africa, which I think is the best brand name across the globe,” Hon. Butime said.
The outgoing board (4th) was inaugurated on September 30, 2020 and President Yoweri Museveni would, on January 21, 2022, officially unveil the country’s redefined tourism destination brand, operated by UTB – the official tourism marketing and regulatory agency.
According to Butime, this move, which happened in the tenure of the 4th BoD, was a springboard for marketing Uganda as a number one destination and generally advancing the country’s tourism which has since been on an upward trajectory, rising from the ruins of Covid-19.
The Minister cautioned the new board to keep in mind the ultimate goal of the sector which is to position Uganda as a world class destination that offers unparalleled experiences to visitors worldwide.
The new board chairperson Ms. Pearl Hoareau Kakooza heaped praises on the “firm foundation laid by the 4th board of directors” upon which the 5th board can build.
“I would like to thank the Ministry for the good working relationship that exists between the private sector, the board and various agencies. To my fellow board members, we have a task ahead to continue and build upon what the previous board has achieved. Our tasks have been spelt out in the board charter to which we have all signed. Most importantly, we need to increase visitor numbers to the Pearl of Africa,” Kakooza said.
She commended the Ministry of Tourism for accommodating the private sector and pledged to keep and bolster the existing relationship and cooperation.
The new Board of Directors members are;
- Pearl Hoareau Kakooza -the Chairperson
- Olive Birungi – the Civial Aviation Authority representative
- Sandra Ssali Kebirungi – Ministry of Finance representative
- Vincent Operabo – National Planning Authority representative
- Stephen Masaba – Uganda Wildlife Authority representative
- Vivian Lyazi – Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities representative
- Magret Ojara – National Arts and Cultural Crafts Association of Uganda representative
- Tony Mulinde – Association of Uganda Tour Operators representative
- Rashid Kiyimba – Uganda Hotel Owners Association representative
- Kawamala Ronald – General Tourism
- Lily Ajarova – Ex Officio
The outgoing Board of Directors members are;
- Daudi Migereko, Chairman of the 4th Board of Directors
- Susan Muhwezi, Vice Chair, representing hospitality and accommodation providers
- Katende Suleiman, Member, representing the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA)
- Eddy Kirya, member, representing the Association of the Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO)
- Yewagnesh Mamo Biriggwa, member, representing the Private Aviation Industry
- Lyazi Vivian, member, representing the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities
- Mwanja Paul, member, representing The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development,
- Chemonges Sabilla, member, representing the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA),
- Ronald Kaggwa, member, representing the National Planning Authority,
- Al Hajj. Eng. Ayub Sooma, member, representing the Civil Aviation Authority
- CEO, UTB Lilly Ajarova, Secretary to the Board.