MBALE CITY – Eastern Uganda is preparing for a historic moment as Mbale City gears up to host the 2026 World Tourism Day celebrations on September 27, an event expected to place the Elgon sub-region firmly on the global tourism map.
Held under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” the celebrations will bring together government leaders, tourism stakeholders, investors, cultural leaders and thousands of visitors from across the country. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to preside over the event at Mbale Secondary School Grounds, highlighting the growing importance of tourism as a pillar of Uganda’s economic transformation.
Speaking during the media launch held at Mbale City Headquarters, Joseph Sebunya, an official from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, said the celebrations are intended to activate and promote tourism activities across the Elgon sub-region while showcasing its untapped potential.
Sebunya noted that Mbale and the surrounding areas possess some of Uganda’s most unique tourism attractions, many of which remain underexplored despite their immense value. These include the newly established Mbale Zoo, the breathtaking landscapes of Mount Elgon, the world-renowned Sipi Falls and several cultural and historical sites scattered across the Masaba region.
He emphasized that tourism is far more than recreation and leisure, describing it as a powerful economic engine capable of creating jobs, attracting investment and generating revenue for local communities.
“Tourism is not only about leisure; it is also an avenue for creating jobs and generating revenue,” Sebunya said.
He challenged media practitioners to become ambassadors of tourism by highlighting the beauty, culture and opportunities available within the region ahead of the celebrations.
According to Sebunya, hosting World Tourism Day in Mbale presents a unique opportunity to market the city to national and international audiences while strengthening its connection with other tourism destinations across Uganda and beyond.
He noted that similar tourism activations have previously been hosted in Kalangala, Jinja, Kasese and Arua, but the Mbale edition will place particular emphasis on unlocking the tourism potential of Mount Elgon and the wider Masaba region.
Activities Lined Up Ahead of the Celebrations
Meanwhile, Umar Muwonge, another official from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, revealed that a series of activities have been organized ahead of the main event to engage communities and build excitement around tourism.
Among the planned activities is participation in the National Cleaning Day and community games scheduled for September 26. Schools across the region will also take part in tourism-themed competitions, with primary schools competing on September 23 and secondary schools on September 24.
A special thematic programme focusing on tourism, conservation and innovation will be held on September 25 at Mount Elgon and Mbale City, bringing together experts, learners and tourism enthusiasts.
Muwonge further disclosed that efforts are underway to formalize the upgrading of the Children’s Park in Mbale City into a modern tourism and recreational centre, ensuring that the city retains a lasting legacy from hosting the prestigious event.
On the main day, participants will take part in a colourful route march from the Cricket Grounds to Mbale Secondary School before joining the national celebrations.
He urged residents to embrace the event wholeheartedly and help Mbale surpass the attendance record previously set by Hoima, demonstrating the region’s readiness to become a leading tourism destination.
Following the celebrations, a tourism exploration exercise will continue on September 28, with teams from Kampala joining local stakeholders to discover and promote the rich attractions of Masaba Land. The programme will also feature a beer-run competition and other activities aimed at encouraging community participation in tourism.
Leaders Rally Support
Mbale City Mayor Joyce Matuka Kidulu welcomed the opportunity to host the national celebrations, describing it as a significant milestone for the city and a chance to showcase its beauty, hospitality and investment potential.
She appealed to security agencies to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for residents and visitors throughout the celebrations.
On his part, Mbale Resident City Commissioner George William Wopuwa warned against unauthorized Kadodi processions during the celebrations, saying order and security would remain a priority.
Instead, he called upon the media to focus on impactful publicity that promotes tourism, investment and the positive image of the region.
A New Dawn for Elgon Tourism
As Uganda embraces digital transformation and artificial intelligence in tourism, the choice of Mbale as host city signals a new chapter for the Elgon sub-region.
Beyond the festivities, the celebrations are expected to leave behind a powerful legacy of increased visibility, investment opportunities and community participation in tourism development.
With its spectacular natural attractions, rich cultural heritage and growing tourism infrastructure, the Elgon region stands ready to shine before the nation and the world.
Come September 27, all roads will lead to Mbale—not only to celebrate World Tourism Day, but to witness the unveiling of a tourism giant whose time has finally arrived.This version is structured as a professional newspaper feature with a strong development, tourism and economic transformation message.
