A total of 22 individuals and organisations were over the weekend awarded for their role in promotion of sustainable tourism during this year’s Ekkula tourism awards.
The awards held at Sheraton Hotel Kampala held under the theme, “Advancing sustainable tourism, peace, and green investments for improved livelihoods,” celebrated. Uganda’s strides in sustainable tourism. This year’s theme, “
This year’s event also marked the launch of the Ekkula sustainable tourism festival which will be held in different regions of Uganda showcasing Uganda’s diverse cultural and natural heritage, and will culminate in the eighth edition of the awards and a remarkable achievement of 10 years of Ekkula Awards.
Speaking during the function, deputy speaker, Thomas Tayebwa hailed initiatives like the Ekkula Awards for promoting tourism in the country.
“Tourism is the backbone of our economy, creating employment, attracting investments, and generating foreign currency inflows,” Tayebwa said.
He said that shs55 billion has been allocated to Uganda’s embassies to enhance international promotion, with a focus on branding and marketing Uganda globally.
“Our commitment to digitizing the economy and advancing tourism will solidify Uganda’s position as a premier travel destination,” he added.
The State Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra, also lauded the organizers, emphasizing the importance of platforms like the Ekkula Awards in recognizing the hard work of those contributing to Uganda’s tourism growth.
“The Ekkula Awards continue to inspire excellence in the sector, and the upcoming festival will further highlight Uganda’s tourism potential,” Mugarra said.
Full List of Winners
- Sustainable New Hotel/Eco Lodge of the Year – Tabebuia Spa and Safari Resort
- Sustainable Eco Lodge of the Year – Kikorongo Safari Lodge
- Sustainable Hotel of the Year – Speke Resort Munyonyo
- Sustainable Tourism Youth Champion – Eliot Mugisha
- Travel Photographer of the Year – Jacob Zuma Mukalazi
- Travel Journalist of 2024 – Edwin Kanyesigye (Gugudde TV)
- Woman Champion of Sustainable Tourism 2024 – Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka
- Tourism Ambassador of the Year – Vanitah Busingye Faith
- Sustainable Tour Operator of the Year – Kazinga Tours
- Culinary Tourism Excellence Award – Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute
- Cultural Heritage Champion Award – Ewaffe Cultural Village
- Wildlife Protection Hero Award – Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
- Inclusive Tourism Champion Award – Volcano Coffee Deaf Academy
- Best Sustainable Destination Award – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Sustainable Tourism Innovation Award – Afri Art Fashion Show
- Best Sustainable Airline of 2024: Economy Class Category – Uganda Airlines
- Best Sustainable Airline of 2024: Business Class Category – Ethiopian Airlines
- Special Recognition Award – Kampala Sheraton Hotel
- Special Recognition – Zakia Lucky (Let the Pearl Shine Ambassador)
- Agro-Tourism Eco Lodge of the Year – Emburara Farm Lodge
- Tourism Honorary Award 2024 – Daudi Migereko
- Lifetime Tourism Achiever Award – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
