Kampala-The Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has hailed the Chairman of Rupaleria group of companies Dr. Sudhir Rupaleria for his passion and leadership in hospitality and tourism development in the Country.
While officiating at the Tourism night event in commemoration of the World tourism day on Tuesday in Kampala, Tayebwa said Sudhir is one of the investors who holds Uganda at heart.
“I know people who have been calling Dr Sudhir to go and develop their Countries, I know many, some of them were asking me, but this Sudhir man what did you give him as Uganda? The man has a lot of money and we would like him to come and invest in our areas,” He revealed
“So Chairman, I want to thank you and your team of investors who have looked at Uganda as your number one destination for investment,” He said.
The deputy Speaker also assured the investors of the Government’s support whenever they needed it.
Marketing Uganda
Tayebwa urged Ugandans to market their country wherever they go.
“This is our home, whether you want it or not we are going to be buried here,” He emphasized, adding, “Don’t hate your country because you don’t have any other country, if you go around painting a picture of Uganda, that is totally different and yet for you, you come and enjoy, it’s a point of concern for some of us, you can say whatever you want but know the limit and be the Ambassador of Uganda wherever you are and that is one way we can promote tourism in Uganda,” He urged.
The Deputy Speaker also pledged Parliament’s support to the tourism sector through both legislation and appropriation in key enablers like infrastructure and security to raise the tourism momentum.
During the tourism night, a number of people who played a big role in promoting Uganda were awarded as per the list below;
1. United Nations Development Program- Awarded for the dedicated support towards Sustainable Tourism Development in Uganda.
2. World Bank Uganda Country Office -Awarded for the dedicated support towards Sustainable Tourism Development in Uganda.
3. Embassy of Hungary- Awarded for the dedicated support towards Sustainable Tourism Development in Uganda.
4. European Union Commission in Uganda-Awarded for the dedicated support towards Sustainable Tourism Development in Uganda.
5. Hotelier -Awarded to Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, Chairman Speke group of Hotels for his Passion and Leadership in Hospitality and Tourism Development.
6. Restaurants – Awarded to Hajji Ahmed Omar Mandela for the passion, innovation and development of the hospitality sector
7. Eddy Kenzo – Awarded for the passion and promotion of Tourism through Music.
8. Joshua Cheptegei-Awarded for the Passion and Promotion of Tourism through Sports
9. Brian Namanya, Ceo Tubayo.com-Awarded for the passion and promotion of digital innovation in tourism.
10. Next Media Services- Awarded for the passion and promotion of Tourism through Media.
Certificates
11. Mountain Clubs of Uganda-Awarded for their passion and promotion of mountaineering in Uganda
12. Kara Tunga Arts and Tours Ltd-Awarded for the passion and promotion of community tourism in Uganda.
13. Adam Fishire -Tubing the Nile- Awarded for the Passion and Promotion of Water-Based Adventure Tourism in Uganda.
14. Vilakazi Safaris-Awarded for the passion and promotion of Domestic Tourism in Uganda
15. Women Porters-Awarded for the passion and selfless service in mountaineering
16. Extreme Adventure Park-Awarded for the passion and promotion of adventure tourism in Uganda.
17. Baguma Restaurant-Awarded for the passion and growth of the restaurant enterprise in traditional cuisine.
18. Chimpundu Lodge-Awarded for the passion and development of the lodge enterprise in Uganda
19. World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Awarded for the dedicated support towards Sustainable Tourism Development in Uganda
20. Miss Tourism-Awarded for the passion and promotion of tourism through Pageantry.
Schools receiving certificates
1. St. Lawrence University
2. Makerere University
3. Uganda Wildlife Research and Tourism Training Institute
4. Kinawa High School – Mugongo
5. Grace High School
6. Kalinabiri Secondary School
7. Sir Apollo Kaggwa Mengo
8. Busega Preparatory School
9. City Parents Primary School
