UGANDA INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL TOURISM FAIR TO TAKE PLACE IN SEPTEMBER

When it comes to safaris in Uganda, expect more than just wildlife! It is one of a few  most culturally diverse countries and its endowed cultural heritage is depicted by its exceptional arts and the most thrilling performances, language, marriage ceremonies, social norms, indigenous knowledge systems of nature and environment, music and dances a mention but a few. With its diverse culture and heritage, Uganda features among the very few most outstanding destinations in the world and to further experience its diversity, the 3^rd Uganda International Cultural Tourism Fair is due to take place between 21^st and 23^rd September at Uganda Museum, Kampala. This year’s fair edition is based on the theme ‘Our diverse cultures empowering each other.’ Uganda is remarkably a melting pot of cultures and this fair will attract several communities both locally and internationally, the youth and grown up, families and exhibitors of different products and many others.

The event will entirely serve as a cultural market where all kinds of art, music, food, beverages, fashion, local brew, poetry, storytelling, display of arts and crafts from various areas in Africa and across border areas a mention but a few. Among other exciting activities that will be part of this remarkable event include school quiz competitions, thematic side conferences on culture and conservation, East Africa high level thematic policy discussion which will include parliamentarians from the East African member states, Ministers of Culture and Minister of tourism across Africa. It will also comprise story telling-Ekyooto session that will see different groups interact despite their races, background, religion and many more. Besides, there will be wildlife display and education by Uganda Wildlife Education Center Entebbe with major focus on totems as spiritual emblems which demonstrate conservation challenges stemming from the old days of the fore fathers. The best performers will be awarded. Over 300 exhibitors of Africa’s cultural products are expected to showcase during this event and about 20000 tourists will be part of it both in Africa and international community.

Partially, the event intends to create employment opportunities by availing skills to the youths and women on how to produce and brand commercial artifacts, memorabilia and many other cultural tourism products both for domestic and international market. About 100 exhibitors will be trained especially those with rare talent and have potential to be developed and included in tourism value chain. The past event was attended by more than 10000 visitors both from within and international community.

In conclusion, culture is a stronghold for most people’s lives, a fact that it impacts much on their values, humor loyalties and sense of identity.