By Joseph Mary Buwule
Ugandan tourism entrepreneur Amos Wekesa has proposed the revival of a Tourism Week in Parliament aimed at educating legislators on the economic potential of tourism and encouraging leaders to invest in income-generating ventures that can create jobs for Ugandans.
In a message directed to Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, Wekesa said he hopes the next Parliament can reintroduce the tourism-focused initiative that was once held under the leadership of former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga.
According to Wekesa, the proposed Tourism Week would bring together Members of Parliament and private sector players to discuss how tourism can help transform local communities and lift citizens out of poverty.
“We shall engage MPs about how tourism can get their voters out of poverty,” Wekesa stated.
He explained that the event would feature exhibitions by tourism operators and business leaders at Parliament, creating opportunities for legislators to interact directly with investors and tourism stakeholders.
Wekesa also emphasized the need to identify tourism attractions across Uganda and educate Members of Parliament about how such sites can generate wealth and employment opportunities within their constituencies.
The renowned businessman further proposed discussions around investment opportunities for legislators, especially in tourism and other productive sectors of the economy.
“We shall discuss the possibility of members of parliament investing in tourism and business in general,” he noted.
Wekesa particularly highlighted the economic impact of the Rwenzori Marathon, saying many MPs should attend the event in Kasese to witness firsthand how sports tourism and community events can stimulate local economies.
“We also want to make sure many members of parliament come to Kasese during the Rwenzori Marathon just to see how activities like the Rwenzori Marathon create massive economic opportunities,” he said.
The tourism entrepreneur stressed that leaders should embrace entrepreneurship and investment as a way of creating employment opportunities for ordinary Ugandans.
“My desire is to see each leader able to at least employ 50 people from their investments and earnings. That will help MPs understand how the economy actually works,” Wekesa added.
He expressed optimism about engaging Tayebwa further on the proposal after the forthcoming elections, signaling what could become a renewed push to position tourism as a key driver of Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.