KAMPALA – Belgium’s Ambassador to Uganda Hugo Verbist has paid a farewell courtesy call on the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Professor Ephraim Kamuntu in a bid to promote Uganda’s tourism.
Tourism continues to be a pillar of Uganda’s economy, contributing massively to the country’s economic development, something that many Belgian investors have already tapped into.
The embassy has as a result, during the Ambassador’s tenure in Uganda, been closely evaluating plans for future collaborations in line with promoting tourism in Uganda.
“We have also held discussions to further remove bureaucratic obstacles for the many Belgian tourism actors already operating in Uganda,” said Mr. Verbist.
It’s clear that Uganda’s tourism sector is growing at a fast rate and this is attributed to the good relationship between government and private sector stakeholders.
The Belgian community has actively participated and invested in Uganda’s tourism sector through the establishment of hospitality facilities such as nature lodges, restaurants, tour and travel agencies and not to forget Brussels Airlines, the key Belgian air link that flies in tourists from abroad, every day of the week.
Ambassador Verbist also stressed the importance of preserving the natural tourist spots that the country is blessed with through sustainable tourism. This model establishes a good balance between the needs of the tourism industry, protection of the environment and that of local communities.
The Ambassador also thanked the Minister for the positive strides the ministry has taken in supporting Belgian stakeholders and believes that if such support continues to be extended even after his departure, it will indeed be mutually beneficial for both countries.
Earlier alone, Mr. Verbist visited Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni pledged support towards the country’s education on behalf of Belgium.
Mr. Hugo who was accompanied by Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Cooperation Mr. Erwin De Wandel said Belgium, through its direct bilateral cooperation program implemented by Enabel in Uganda, is active in two key areas of the education sector, secondary teacher training on the one hand and technical and vocational training (TVET) on the other.
He said Belgium supports the cooperation between universities and scholarships, and recently a new actor in Uganda, VVOB vzw education for development, came on board to complete the Belgian landscape in the sector.
Ambassador to Uganda, Hugo Verbist ends his diplomatic mission in Uganda this July.
