The Uganda and Seychelles and the Consulate General of Uganda in Mombasa have commenced the ‘Uganda Independence Week in Kenya’ to mark the 59th Independence Anniversary.
Through a hybrid exhibition that is part virtual and part physical, the event showcases Uganda’s tourism and education opportunities and features a variety of local and international exhibitors and speakers under the theme “Securing Uganda’s future through the promotion of Tourism and Education for Economic Development.”
Besides companies operating in tourism and education sectors, some of the other participants at the exhibition held at Serena Hotel in Kenya’s Capital, Nairobi include Ugandan Christian University (UCU), Uganda Airlines, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Tourist Board and Export Promotion Board, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Educations and Sports, and Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, and other agencies from Uganda and their Kenyan counterparts.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to Kenya and Seychelles, His Excellency Dr. Hassan Wasswa Galiwango told the media that the exhibition will mainly showcase Uganda’s vast tourism offers, options and potentials as well the country’s affordable, accessible and quality education noting that “Uganda’s massive tourism potential and immense quality education opportunities are still inadequately exploited”.
“It is our mandate to promote and protect Uganda’s interests abroad, including implementing Economic and Commercial Diplomacy (ECD) as a major vehicle for advancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation for national transformation and development,” Galiwango told the media at Serena Hotel in Nairobi.
The exhibition started with virtual segments that will continue until October 7 when the physical showcase will start before climaxing with the Independence Day celebrations.
The event showcases Ugandan cuisines, prepared and served at the Nairobi Serena Hotel, display documentaries of Uganda’s wildlife, natural sceneries, education institutions, independence reminiscences, and development milestones as well as cultural performances.
Participants are mandated to follow the COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the Government of Kenya and are required to test for COVID-19. In partnership with Kenya’s Ministry of Health, unvaccinated participants are given a chance to take a COVID-19 jab at the venue.
According to Amb. Paul Mukumbya, the Consul General of Uganda in Mombasa, the Independence Week will not only enhance Uganda’s relations with Kenya, Seychelles and other countries but also explore innovative ways of using ICT to promote tourism and education abroad.