Uganda launches World Tourism Day 2025 celebrations, announces free three-day access to national parks

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Uganda has kicked off World Tourism Day celebrations under the theme: Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.

During the launch in Kampala on September 2, 2025, tourism state minister Martin Mugarra highlighted tourism’s role in uniting communities and driving development.

Uganda Wildlife Authority executive director Dr James Musinguzi announced a three-day Open Park Initiative (Sept 25–27), giving Ugandans and East African residents free access to major national parks, with game drives, guides and iconic attractions included.

Uganda Wildlife Authority executive director Dr James Musinguzi speaking during the launch. (Courtesy photo)

Festivities will climax on September 27 in Arua city with exhibitions, cultural showcases, and a “Save the Rhino” walk.

Leaders stressed responsible, community-driven tourism as key to sustainability.

The celebrations aim to highlight tourism’s role in inclusive development and environmental resilience.

Ahead of the main day, the tourism ministry, together with the Arua City Council, has launched a media campaign to promote the celebrations.

Organisers emphasised that the occasion presents an opportunity to position Arua City and the West Nile region as a tourism and investment hub, boosting visibility and regional growth.

The official launch on August 28, in the Arua City Council boardroom outlined activities leading up to the main event.

Planned activities, scheduled between September 25 and 28, include debates and engagements for primary and secondary schools, a multi-stakeholder thematic tourism conference, sports competitions, tug of war, a bicycle race, city cleaning, a beer race, and tours of West Nile.

Umar Muwonge, an official from the ministry said the national event is hosted regionally on a rotational basis.

“Last year we were in the Rwenzori region in Kasese district. The committee chose Arua city to host the event on behalf of the West Nile region,” Muwonge said.

(Left to right) UWA executive director Dr James Musinguzi, tourism state minister Martin Mugara and other officials at the launch of World Tourism Day 2025 in Kampala on September 2, 2025. (Courtesy photo)

He urged West Nile residents to take advantage of the event to showcase the beauty of the region and earn income from hospitality and other services, with over 500 visitors expected.

David Kyasanku, the city clerk of Arua, appealed to the people of West Nile to seize the opportunity to showcase their talents, culture and products, and to be part of the historical event.