Ankole heritage and tourism operators to sell great stories

Heritage and cultural tourism practitioners in Ankole sub-region have resolved to collaborate further to create and sell admirable stories that will attract revenue and provide employment.

This was at the media launch of Ankole Heritage and Cultural Tourism Association (AHCTA) at Kamukuzi, Mbarara city on January 29, 2025. The launch was attended by tour operators, hoteliers, tourist site owners and local government officials. The association aims to merge cultural and traditional heritage tourism by spotlighting the opportunities that cultural sites, items and activities can offer while fostering local pride and global appreciation.

Enock Rutaaza, the vice president of AHCTA, announced that the association will organize tourism month awards in March; it will also have a national launch in Kampala in April. He, therefore, called for registration to raise the membership numbers. He added that the association will provide internship opportunities and demonstration sites to tourism and hospitality students.

Rutaaza said the association has partnered with Mbarara district to promote Ankole sub-region as a heritage and tourism destination by signing a memorandum of understanding that includes the latter providing the former with office space at Kamukuzi.

Stella Bamu Rugunda, the president of the association, a travel consultant and CEO of Canada-based Stebar Safaris, appealed for a voluntary and hardworking spirit for the good of future generations.

“We are neither a business enterprise nor a political association; but we have a number of consultants and engineers to assist anyone with good plans to advance them,” she said.

Originating from Ankole but residing in Canada, Rugunda connects tourists and heritage lovers in Canada and Europe with Southern and Eastern Africa.

“I am a member of travel and heritage associations in Europe and America. Through AHCTA, I have collaborated with Ankole stakeholders, local communities and partners to implement sustainable policies that protect Ankole’s heritage legacy. With the right leadership, government support and funding, our vision as AHCTA is to establish Ankole sub-region as a distinctive and thriving cultural tourism destination.”

She called for a positive attitude, commitment to promotion of sustainability, capacity building, partnerships with local governments, and involvement of the diaspora.

David Muhwezi, the chief administrative officer of Mbarara district, noted that Ankole sub-region has many unexplored and unexploited tourist sites such as caves, palaces and lakes.

Muhwezi disclosed that the district has already allocated 30 acres at Bwizibwera for a regional zoo which will be managed in partnership with the ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.

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