WORLD TOURISM DAY: COMMITTEE PREPARES OVER 160 ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES

Preparations for this grand occasion have been underway for months, with the local organizing committee working tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly

By Dramadri Federick
Arua City

Over 160 accommodation facilities in Arua city and Arua district have been designated to host guests during the celebrations of the 2025 World Tourism Day.
This major event, scheduled for September 27, 2025, in Arua city, is set to be one of the most significant tourism gatherings in the region, attracting an estimated 3,000 dignitaries from across Africa.

The celebration will be presided over by Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni Kaguta, who will serve as the chief guest.
Accompanying him will be ambassadors from various nations, alongside ministers, commissioners, and permanent secretaries representing different government agencies, departments, and ministries.

This high-profile attendance underscores the event’s importance not only for Uganda, but, for the continent’s tourism sector as a whole.
Preparations for this grand occasion have been underway for months, with the local organizing committee working tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly.
One key aspect of their preparations involves enhancing the skills and awareness of the staff at the participating accommodation facilities.

To this end, they plan to conduct refresher training sessions focusing on food safety, security protocols, and customer care. This initiative aims to uphold high standards across the hospitality sector, ensuring visitors enjoy a safe, comfortable, and culturally enriching experience.

In addition to the hotel and lodge staff training, the committee has identified and engaged renowned Boda boda riders and drivers from the region. These riders will be equipped with detailed knowledge of the locations of the accommodation facilities, ensuring they can provide reliable transportation and guidance to visitors. Their role will be vital in facilitating smooth movement around the city, especially considering the anticipated high turnout. Security agencies will also collaborate closely with these transport providers to ensure the safety of all visitors.

Jimmy Awuzu Angubo, Chairman of the Accommodation Committee, expressed confidence that everything is in place for the event.
However, he emphasized the importance of maintaining high hygiene standards among facility owners and operators. “We’ve mapped out 160 accommodation facilities within Arua city and its districts, ready to host these visitors. We also expect neighboring districts like Nebbi and Koboko to share some of their facilities, as we may not be able to accommodate all the guests,” Awuzu noted.
His plea underscores the collective responsibility of local hospitality providers to present Arua in the best light and uphold its reputation.

Under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” the 2025 World Tourism Day aims to spotlight the crucial role tourism plays in fostering sustainable development and positive societal change.

The theme encourages stakeholders to reflect on how tourism can be harnessed as a tool for economic growth, environmental preservation and social cohesion, especially in regions like West Nile that are rich in untapped potential.

Fred Wathum, the Senior Tourism Officer for Arua city, highlighted the immense economic opportunity this event presents to local business owners. “This is a golden chance for entrepreneurs and hospitality providers to benefit financially,” he said.

However, he also issued a word of caution, emphasizing the importance of sanitation and reasonable pricing to attract visitors and foster positive experiences.
Wathum announced that, capacity-building workshops, inspections and registration of accommodation facilities would be carried out to ensure compliance with the required standards of operation, further safeguarding the region’s reputation.

Despite these efforts, concerns remain about urban cleanliness.

Mbigiti Godfrey Johnah, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Ayivu Division pointed out that, the city’s current waste management system leaves much to be desired. “The town is quite dirty, and this dulls our image as a tourist destination,” he remarked.

Mbigiti urged city authorities to prioritize solid waste management and address garbage issues seriously, especially with the influx of visitors expected for the celebrations. “We need to work very seriously on garbage collection and disposal so that visitors have a positive impression of Arua City,” he added.

The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities has designated Arua as the perfect host for the 2025 celebrations due to its rich and diverse tourism potential which remains largely untapped.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore several key attractions, including Mount Wati, the highest peak in the region offering breathtaking panoramic views and hiking opportunities; Ajai Wildlife Reserve, which is set to host rhinos for the first time and boasts a range of species; the dramatic entry of the Nile River into South Sudan; and cultural heritage sites of the Lugbara, Madi, Alur, and Kakwa communities.

The city is set to welcome its first visitors from September 24 to 26, with various activities, including visits to tourism sites and cultural explorations, leading up to the main event at the West Nile Golf Ground on September 27.

The buildup to the celebration promises a vibrant showcase of West Nile’s natural and cultural riches, positioning Arua as a growing tourism hub and a beacon of sustainable development in Uganda’s tourism landscape.